Handicrafts Souvenirs from Shantiniketan Bolpur
The colorful handcarts of Shantiniketan, the little town of ‘ranga matti’ (red soil), are loaded with beautiful hand-made knick-knacks.
Red soil is available in plenty in this region and locals have used it to their advantage for their livelihood. Cutesy terracotta figures are made which is a mark of their high level of creativity and imagination.
Terracotta statue of Rabindranath Tagore from Shantiniketan
There are the terracotta figurines of deities, famous personalities, and even cute little animals. A frog with an umbrella got my attention. The pieces were most reasonably priced; in fact I will say they were cheap.
His cart had sling bags, small leather pouches which he had sourced from Amar Kutir. On weekends there are plenty of visitors to Shantiniketan when his business is at peak. He makes a decent living selling such handmade articles of interior décor and daily use.
Staying in a city I am habituated to seeing big price tags in the malls. Compared to them these Handicrafts Souvenirs from Shantiniketan looked so cheap that it got me worried. What is their profit margin?
I picked up four pieces; I had my doubts if I could take them back home safe. And as expected, couple of pieces did break, but Tagore’s image was fine and strong.
Cycle Cart selling hand made souvenirs
Handicrafts Souvenirs from Shantiniketan
This girl was selling handmade trinkets. On close observation I found they were made of colorful pulses and seeds. Some of them were colored, but none of her items were artificial, no plastic or glass pieces involved. Such creativity!
After school hours she pursues this skill of hers not as a hobby but for additional income for household expenses. She was too shy to pose for my ‘Faces of India’ series.
Girl selling trinkets in Shantiniketan
Jewelry made with seeds
What is Art? It is the response of man’s creative soul to the call of the Real. – Rabindranath Tagore Quote.
Other than these, there were unique hand made musical instruments, hand painted scarves and wall hangings.
The sellers have a friendly attitude and they have such eager eyes watching what you have appreciated and picked up. They give their little explanations on their work. So much of effort and imagination has gone into these creations.
There are so many boutiques around Shantiniketan that promote and sell products from local weavers.
I felt happy to bring back a piece of Shantiniketan with me in the form of these souvenirs.
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Thanks for the comments friends!
Pradipji, these items were in the handcarts in front of Shantiniketan. I think they sell them all through the year.
Indrani, are these available in shree niketan or in the Mela ground everyday? or you saw them during Poushmela? If you happen to come at Ghurni of Krishna nagar and visit K.C.Paul's handicraft store just on the main road you may see many nice idols and stunningly beautiful and cheap. The actual craftsman gets only 1/4 th of the price. Thia is true of every product.
those ear rings are beautiful, Indrani!!! i have yet to visit kolkata, and really wish i can go soon!
The handmade items are beautiful. I really love the ear rings. Have a happy day!
Best thing is when some fare is organized where such things are presented…The rare talents emerge and get highlighted at that time… 🙂
The earring looks so beautiful! my daughter would love to own one.
How pretty and neat their workmanship? Using things that are raw… I like those ornament made of seeds. Glad you could bring the Tagore idol without damage to home 🙂
Very nice pics…!
Awesome…
Nostalgia relived. Period.
Thank you for sharing.. Hopefully I get to see this place one day….
nice place to visit
What beautiful ear rings, this is what I love about our country there is so much to it that we can never say I have been around India and have seen it, there is still so much more to explore and learn and experience. Glad that you go around with you camera and bring us shots of such simple yet beautiful places and things, its nice to see India through your eyes.
Makes me wanna visit Shanti Niketan.
The handmade trinkets are so beautiful ! Loved 'em!
Thanks for sharing another beautiful post. Nice pics.
Very nice souvenirs, very talented artists and interesting and lovely pictures.
both really beautiful! bless them for their hard work – and probably very little profit.
The earrings and figurine are very beautiful. I would say they make wonderful souvenirs.
Such beautiful souvenirs….wonderful.
Hugs
SueAnn
Lovely, handmade items and ones like these are usually so much lovelier and well made than those that are mass produced! Delightful captures for the day as always, Indrani!
Wonderful to know more about Shanthiniketan .
When I go to India (soon for the fourth time!!) I love to look at handicrafts and buy some, too. But best of all, I like earrings, so I'll be on the lookout for something like what you've shown. Can't say I've seen any where I've been…must look harder.
I like handmade items. I don't know what it's like in India but in the U.S. sometimes people that sell their crafts direct or in small outdoor stalls can price them lower than items sold in malls that have such a high overhead.
I too collecting souvenirs while travelling.. Beautiful clicks Indrani.. Keep going dear 🙂
You refreshed my Shantiniketan memories! Beautiful place…btw it was nice to know those ear rings are made from coloured pulses
I love terracotta 🙂 very colorful clicks!! M loving your series on Shantiniketan. Wanna visit…
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I'll share the link in next comment, somehow unable to share the link here…
Beautiful young people selling their wares.
Handcrafted souvenirs are my favorite travel mementos. It's important to support locals with their artisan businesses. I would have been heartbroken if my clay figurines broke, (I always wrap ceramics in newspapers and clothes when they're packed in my suitcase) but I'm glad that such a striking one survived.
Nice souvenirs ! Many young Indians know so little about Tagore & his greatness.