Nakshi Katha finds commercial footing in SME Fair

Nakshi Katha, a centuries-old Bangali art tradition taking the form of embroidered quilts, has found commercial footing among enthusiastic city dwellers visiting the 9th National SME Product Fair in Dhaka.

Though the number of visitors is less this year compared to the fair’s previous iteration, more people – both young and old – visited the fair on Friday, and many of them flocked to the Nakshi Katha stalls.

Around 35 types of Nakshi Katha are available in the fair, including popular varieties such as Noyonmoni, Paglu, Patalful, Gachtia, Khejurpata and Jhilik. Price for such products ranges between TK 1,000 and 7,000, several sellers told The Business Post, adding that Nakshi Kathas priced at or below Tk 2,000 are the most popular among visitors.

Expressing their satisfaction over Nakshi Katha sales so far, sellers added that the demand for these products have gone up significantly due to the chilly weather and social programmes which are taking place after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Meanwhile, visitors at the fair said they are buying Nakshi Kathas for home décor aesthetics, as gifts, and to preserve the Bangali tradition, art and culture.

Providing more details, entrepreneur Parvin Akter of Rajshahi Nakshi Ghor said, “I am satisfied with the sales this year. We are selling around 40-50 pieces at the fair per day. Products worth around Tk 2,000 are selling the most as those are very popular among the visitors.”

Entrepreneur Tahrima Begum Lucky of Nur Nokshi said, “Nakshi Katha has become popular as a gift item especially in urban settings. The cultured and affluent people are using these products as gifts in social programmes.

“Such events had remained paused during the pandemic restrictions. But these restrictions have now been eased, which in turn boosted the sale of Nakshi Kathas as gift items.”

Visitor Riajul Hasan, a salaryman living in Dhaka, said, “Nakshi Katha is our century-old tradition, and is made by Bengali women who create mind blowing art. The beauty and aesthetic of a Nakshi Katha can never be on par with a printed fabric.

“I bought two products from the fair as gifts for a wedding ceremony.”

Hasan’s wife Nargis Begum said, “I find satisfaction using Nakshi Kathas instead of blankets. It can be washed easily and is aesthetically pleasing when displayed at my home. We must focus on expanding this traditional handmade art.”