Weaving Stories

The Burud community has been making products of bamboo for daily use since time immemorial. Settled in the city in various parts like Lohianagar,Ganesh Peth and the Burud Ali area behind the Mahatma Phule Mandai,the Buruds have been an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric for the last 100 years. In Ganesh Peth,fifth generation basket weaver and seller Suyog Sapkal sits with his wares. He says,“People come here to purchase Durdi Soups,Toplis,bamboo mats and even brooms made of bamboo fibres. We usually make these products from the Shivli bamboo and the Meshi bamboo. The fibres are sturdy and when woven,they make very good storage containers and decorative pieces. We usually get our bamboo from places like Khadakwasla,Bhor and Velhe.”

Somdas Korde has a small kiosk at Burud Ali behind the Mandai. “There are a total of 20-25 families here that are involved in making these products. In addition to the usual bamboo products,we also make ladders and bamboo curtains. The curtains usually sell from Rs 40 per sq foot to Rs 80 per sq foot. One of these curtains takes about two hours to make. Most of the other items that we make sell a lot during the marriage season. Despite changing times,bamboo is still in demand is perhaps because it acts as a natural refrigerant. Another reason could be because bamboo products have a lot of aesthetic value.” Most of the products sold cost anywhere between Rs 20- Rs 100,depending on the way it is made. A normal bamboo basket costs around Rs 25,but one that is oil painted and filled with Plaster of Paris will cost Rs 50. “It fills gaps between the fibres making it more durable,” Korde informs.

However the ancient community is not without its own fair share of problems. “The advent of Chinese plastic ware has affected our business tremendously. They easily mass produced and despite their short shelf life,people prefer using them and replacing them at regular intervals than use bamboo products,that easily last for five to six years,” laments Anil Kashinath,a fourth generation seller. “Another issue that troubles us more is that the younger generations are all moving out of the profession to seek permanent jobs with the government. In fact my son cannot even weave a simple bamboo mat. That is also reducing the number of people that are involved with the work that we do,” he adds.

But perhaps the most poignant description of the issues that these people face is given by another basket weaver,Mangala. “Bamboo weaving is a rare handicraft that is dying in this state because of the lack of interest on the part of the government. We would really love to teach this to other people and get them involved in making these products. All we want is a better way of life and education to sustain the same. It’s not that the business is not profitable despite all the hurdles we face. But what good is a craft if it cannot reach out to others and remains confined to just one community?” she says,sadly.