In Gournadi Upazila of Barishal, a surge in demand for traditional palm leaf hand fans, known as Talpakha, has led to significant profits for artisans due to prolonged heatwaves and power cuts. Despite the availability of plastic fans, the cooling effect and cultural significance of palm leaf fans remain unmatched.
Local sources said the intense heatwave has increased the demand for Talpakha in the country. Nearly millions of Talpakhas, adorned with various colours, are produced annually by women in Barishal and supplied to various districts across the country. Talpakha production has brought solvency to hundreds of families in the district. Additionally, it has become a profession for many women in the area.
These traditional hand fans are an integral part of Bengali heritage. Talpakhas are now being modernised with the use of various colours of cloth, threads, and dyes. Artisans of Talpakhas are passing busy times due to the growing demand of these fans in this summer season.
Several artisans from Chandshi village of the upazila said that these Talpakhas from their village are currently being sold in various fairs, markets, and wholesale and retail shops across the country. People find relief from the intense heat by using these fans, especially during hot weather.
Shefali, Suma, and Asha -- female artisans from the Pakha Palli -- mentioned that their family members have been making Talpakhas for about 30 years using palm leaves. Although the village is named ‘Chandshi’ it is more popularly known as ‘Pakha Palli’ (the area where everyone makes talpakha).
The artisans also added that besides household chores, men assist in gathering palm leaves, drying them, and cleaning them, while women primarily engage in the rest of the process. After cutting the leaves into fan shapes, colours are added to these fans to make them more lucrative. Then, bamboo handles are attached and sewed with threads. A woman can produce 70-80 Talpakhas daily.
They further added that each Talpakha, made with bamboo and threads, is sold for Tk 200-250.
Several artisans in Agailjhara Upazila of the district, including Kasem Khalifa, Abul Hossen, Shahjahan Khalifa, and Swapan Khalifa, stated that wholesalers visit once a week in the area to buy these fans. The production of Talpakhas has become the main source of income in their village. Handmade Talpakhas are sold through local traders in various fairs, markets, and bus stands across the region.
The artisans also said that after the increase in the price of materials, about fifty more families involved in crafting Talpakhas have changed their profession. To sustain the rest of the families, they want the intervention of the authorities concerned to provide interest-free loans on simple terms.
Chadshi Union Parishad Chairman Syed Nazrul Islam said, “Many women in the village are engaged in making Talpakhas alongside managing households. This tradition has been going on in the village for about 30 to 35 years without any government assistance to the artisans and traders involved in this business. I hope that with government support, this industry will flourish further.”
Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Barishal Office Deputy Manager Jalish Mahmud said, “Talpakhas from Chandshi's Pakha Palli reach various districts of the country through local traders. BSCIC is ready to provide all kinds of support to artisans involved in this industry. If they contact us to solve problems, we will find solutions. Efforts will be made in the future to expand this business in larger areas.”
Barishal Deputy Commissioner Shahidul Islam emphasised the need to preserve this heritage of crafting Talpakha. He stressed the improvement of the artisan’s living standards.
“Committees have been formed with residents of Chandshi’s Pakha Palli to allocate funds from the district administration for financial assistance. Besides, comprehensive cooperation from the upazila administration has been decided,” he added.
