Lots of mats were produced at Nathpara of Parshuram and the products were exported to various destinations and even beyond the boundary of the country.

But now most of the Hindu artisans here have deserted their age-old traditional profession and switched over to other professions to earn a living.

However, despite the hard reality a few ones still stick to their profession out of love for the profession.

Rakhal Nath is such an artisan. He disclosed that the value of mats of Parshuram had been decreasing gradually. Previously the mats made of locally called 'Morta' were grown in abundance everywhere. But nowadays there is dearth of 'Morta'. Many people now sell 'Morta' and earn something. It can be cultivated easily and its demand can be met fully if the government patronises its cultivation, Rakhal Nath told in a feeble voice.

Actually 'Morta' is a kind of grass called Harigata plant, Mottak Partygach, Patipata or Paitta in different places. The plant grows naturally beside roads, jungles, water bodies or on hilly lands.

Another 55 years old artisan named Hiralal informed the outer portion of the plant is usually taken out of the main plant which is hen coloured. Afterwards, the weaving of mats starts. Usually two to three days are required to make a mat, he said. He makes four to five mats with the help of his wife, he disclosed. Every Thursday he takes the mats to Parshuram bazaar for sell. He sells a mat at the rate of 250 to 300 taka. He earns Tk 3,000-4,000 per month by selling mats. He also sells the mats at various bazaars in remote areas of the district.

Lack of patronisation from government and non-governmental organisations, dearth of 'Morta' and people's unwillingless to use mats have attributed to ruination of this traditional cottage industry. As a result, the valuable mate making industry faces extinction.

--- Courtesy: Mass Line Feature