Rajshahi: A daylong workshop on Shokher Hari (decorative earthen pot) was held in Paba upazila today to explore ways to preserve and promote the traditional pottery amid rising production costs and a shortage of raw materials.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, 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 emphasized that a nation’s identity is preserved through its folk culture, art, and heritage, highlighting Shokher Hari as an integral part of Paba’s cultural identity. He called for joint efforts by the government, administration, and society to sustain the traditional craft. Furthermore, he suggested promoting the use of aesthetically designed earthenware rather than plastic at various events to expand the domestic market for Shokher Hari.
Professor Uday Shankar Biswas from the Department of Folklore at Rajshahi University noted the challenges faced by artisans. He pointed out that the availability of clay and rising prices of necessary materials have increased pressure on pottery makers, necessitating effective government initiatives and long-term planning to preserve this heritage.
Md Sakhawat Hossain, assistant director of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation, presided over the workshop. He highlighted that 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 mentioned that Shokher Hari has received government recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, and local craftsmanship 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 attract younger consumers. Speakers emphasized that the pottery market could be expanded by developing products suited to contemporary demand while retaining the traditional craft’s distinctive characteristics.
The training was conducted by Shaon Akand, a painter, writer, researcher, and curator, while the program was moderated by Mizanur Rahman, senior divisional assistant of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation. Various officials, including Assistant Commissioner (Land) Mohammad Mehedi Hasan, BRAC District Coordinator Mohsin Ali, Women Affairs Officer Fatema Khatun, and Banchar Asha Cultural Organization President Mostafa Sarker Bijli, also spoke at the event.
Certificates were distributed among the trainees at the end of the workshop. Participants and stakeholders expressed hope that coordinated efforts involving easier access to raw materials, government support, skills development, contemporary designs, and effective marketing would help Paba’s pottery industry overcome its present challenges and regain its market. They believed such initiatives could revitalize the colorful tradition of Shokher Hari as a vibrant expression of Bangladesh’s folk heritage.