A daylong workshop was held in Paba upazila of Rajshahi district to explore ways to preserve and promote the traditional Shokher Hari pottery amid rising production costs and a shortage of raw materials. Decorated with colorful motifs of fish, birds, lotuses and combs, Shokher Hari reflects the rural life and folk traditions of Bengal. The distinctive earthenware produced by artisans in Basantapur and Ulapur of Paba is regarded as an important part of the region's cultural heritage.
The workshop and design development training titled 'Heritage, Problems and Prospects of Pottery and Shokher Hari' was organized by the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation at the Paba Upazila Parishad conference room. Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ibnul Abedin attended the workshop as the chief guest.
He said a nation's identity is preserved through its folk culture, art and heritage and Shokher Hari is an integral part of Paba's cultural identity. He called for joint efforts by the government, administration and society to sustain the traditional craft. He also suggested encouraging the use of aesthetically designed earthenware instead of plastic at government and private events as well as family functions to expand the domestic market for Shokher Hari.
Professor Uday Shankar Biswas of the Department of Folklore at Rajshahi University said the pottery crisis should not be viewed merely as a problem faced by artisans. He said the availability of clay and rising prices of firewood, colors and other materials have placed pottery makers under increasing pressure, requiring effective government initiatives and long-term planning to preserve the heritage.
The workshop was presided over by Md Sakhawat Hossain, assistant director of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation. He said Shokher Hari produced by artisans of Basantapur and Ulapur is not only a cultural symbol of Rajshahi but also a unique symbol of Bangladesh's cultural heritage. He noted that Shokher Hari has received government recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, while the craftsmanship of local potters has earned international appreciation, with one artisan receiving a UNESCO award.
The workshop focused on improving the design and quality of Shokher Hari, expanding its market, introducing contemporary designs and diversifying products to make earthenware more appealing to younger consumers. Speakers said the pottery market could be expanded further by developing products suited to contemporary demand while retaining the distinctive characteristics of the traditional craft.
