Future perfect for Bengal's local art forms under Chief Minister's guidance

Kolkata: Heritage and cultural tourism is coming up in Bengal in a very big way. The initiative was taken by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when she came to power in 2011. The artisans and traditional artists are given financial assistance every month and some of them have been brought under health insurance schemes. The old artists are given pension and the measures taken by Mamata Banerjee have infused new enthusiasm among them.

Village festivals are being held throughout Bengal where artists participate to sell their products. They are being sent to other states as well. The patchitris of West Midnapore had recently visited Hyderabad to take part in a workshop. It is interesting to note that many students who are studying in different art colleges throughout the country have shown keen interest in learning the art of making patchitras. Between September and April, regular fairs are organised in the villages which are famous for different art forms. The state government has published a calendar showing the dates of these fairs. Naya Pingla has hit the international tourist map because of Pot Maya that will be held between November 10 and 12. Painters from Italy and Germany came to the village to have a firsthand experience of how patchitras are made. There are about 300 patchitris in the village. Mukhosh Mela at Kushmandi in South Dinajpur will be held between October 27 and 29 this year where artisans making masks will come to display and sell their products. Many of the artisans had left the profession because of financial crisis but because of the initiative of the state government, they are back to the traditional profession. The Dokra items particularly room decorations have become quite popular throughout the country and Dokra Mela will be held in East Burdwan between October 13 and 15.

Madur, the traditional bamboo and thread-made carpets of Sabang in West Midnapore are exhibited at Madurkathi Utsav which will is held between December 8 and 10. The bright colours of the mats attract people visiting the fair and the artisans make a brisk business. Sitalpati mela at Ghughumari in Cooch Behar will be held between January 19 and 21, 2018. Wooden doll fair will be held at Natungram in East Burdwan

between January 5 and 7, 2018 where thousands of traditional wooden dolls will be on display.