Potters gather in Barishal, honoured

BARISHAL, Oct 18: From religious images painted on clay discs to intricate folk motifs and carefully crafted idols, pottery reflects Bengal’s history, beliefs and cultural heritage. As the traditional craft struggles amid changing consumer preferences, a gathering in Barishal brought artisans together to showcase their work and call for its preservation.

The 17th Potters’ Conference and Award Ceremony was held at a community centre in Barishal on Saturday, attracting artisans from across the country.

Niranjan Pal from Bhanga Upazila of Faridpur District received the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Pottery Award in the lifetime achievement category, along with Tk 10,000. Eighteen other artisans received crests, Tk 5,000 each and clothing.

The exhibition featured pottery from across the Barishal Division and from Rajshahi, Faridpur and Rajbari districts. Veteran artists Niranjan Pal and Kalpana Pal showcased their Faridpur-style Laxmi sara, traditional clay discs painted with religious motifs.

Rupak Kumar Pal, an artisan from Koloshkathi in Bakerganj Upazila of Barishal, said his family had made idols for four generations. “Most idols in the Barishal region are made under my supervision,” he said. Having attended the conference for 17 years, he added that recognition encouraged him to continue his work.

Niranjan Pal said he had remained in the profession despite its limited financial returns. “I have continued this work because it is our ancestral profession. I want to remain involved in it until the end of my life,” he said.

Engineer Mainul Abedin, a pottery collector and the event’s inaugural speaker, said his interest in the craft developed as he watched his father, Zainul Abedin, collect pottery. He described pottery as an integral part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and urged efforts to preserve its diversity and introduce it to younger generations.

Uday Shankar Saha, a folklore professor at the University of Rajshahi, said Laxmi sara preserved Bengal’s folk beliefs and visual traditions. The clay discs feature images of Goddess Laxmi, owls, rice stalks and other motifs, as well as deities such as Laxmi-Narayan, Radha-Krishna and Durga.

Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, the event’s chief guest, said the industry faced growing challenges as alternative products gained popularity. She called for improved training, modern design techniques, government support and better marketing opportunities.

More than 100 artists participated in a drawing competition held alongside the conference, with 16 receiving prizes. The event concluded with musical and dance performances.