Ahead of the upcoming Boishakhi fair and festival, potters in Sreenagar are busy producing clay items in their homes and workshops.
They are spending long hours crafting various traditional clay products and toys, including elephants, horses, cows, deer, birds, pigeons, clay banks, dolls, household utensils, and decorative items. These handmade traditional toys remain very popular among children.
A visit to different areas, especially in the Tantar Union, shows a large-scale production of clay toys and items in preparation for the Boishakhi fair. After shaping, the raw clay items are dried in the sun and then baked in large clay kilns.
Men and women of potter families are actively involved in the production process. However, artisans say that sales of clay products are not as strong as before.
Potter Samir Pal said they are preparing clay toys and utensils for various fairs, including the Boishakhi fair. Alongside retail sales, products are also sold to wholesalers.
Due to various challenges, sustaining this profession has become difficult. This year, he has prepared around 3,000 pieces of clay toys for the fair.
Another artisan couple, Somu Pal and Shova Rani, said that demand for clay products has significantly declined in modern times. With no children to support them, they are struggling to continue their livelihood.
Veteran potter Jatan Pal mentioned that plastic and modern materials are replacing traditional clay products. Many families have already left the profession, though some continue despite hardships.
Currently, about 20 families in the Hansara area are still engaged in pottery. Across Sreenagar upazila’s different areas, more than 50 potter families are still trying to preserve this centuries-old tradition by selling clay products.
However, due to changing times and economic challenges, this traditional rural craft is gradually heading towards extinction.
