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Nakshi Kantha Exhibition by Aarong

Story of Stitches

Nadia Sarwat
Jasimuddin's classic poem Nakshi Kanthar Maath (1929) depicts a rural Bangladesh where women illustrate their lives, passions and dreams through their needlework. Today in the hustle-bustle of city life one cannot help but wonder at the endurance, craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans who make Nakshi Kantha (embroidered quilts).
As part its 30th anniversary celebration, renowned fashion house Aarong has organised a Nakshi Kantha exhibition Titled Story of Stiches at the Plaza, National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The exhibition was inaugurated on July 15.
Tamara Abed, director of Aarong and Ayesha Abed Foundation greeted the audience saying, "Aarong"s bond with Nashi Kantha has remained strong for almost 30 years, so it is only apt that Aarong should put together this exhibition on its 30th anniversary, to higiilight one of our most important crafts, its roots, regional variations and the vast economic possibilities that exist Nakshi Kantha adorns our homes and has solidified its place in the world of fashion.
Adviser to the Ministry of Cul-tural Affairs, Rasheda. K Chowdhury, was scheduled to be the chief guest at the inaugural programme. She sent a congratu-
latory message, as she was unable to attend the programme. Professor Mohammed Kibria was the special guest. Designer Chandra Shekhar Shaha, consultant, 30th anniversary series; and Muhammad A. (Rumee) Ali, managing: director, BRAC Enterprises also
spoke at the programme.
Aarong and its production centre, Ayesha Abed Foundation (AAF), conferred the “Master Craftsperson Award” to eight women artisaris selected by AAF. A crest and a cheque worthTk20,000 was given to each.
One of the award winners, Zaheda Begum from Nahini Khandokar village of Kushtia is a shy woman in her 50s. She has been working for Aarong since the last 20 years, honing the craft that she-learnt > from her mother and other elderly women of her family.
The stories are almost same for all the other award winners. Some serve as the only breadwinner of the family and are even able to provide their children higher education through their earnings
Aarong could have honoured the artisans with more than just a cheque for Tk 20000, said some among the audience.
A group of folk artistes were there to entertain the audience with their music. But the main attraction was a collection of exqui site Nakshi Kantha amassed from different parts of Bangladesh. A set was made where four women demonstrated the art to the audi ence. Aarong also provided demonstrations of different kinds of stitches called Mushuri Kadam, Moy Par, Jora par, Hashia Taaga, Anas Taaga, Koishi Par, Phool Par. Borfi Tip Par, Mukta Dana par and more that are used as units of stitches in making the Kan thas.
An extensive array of Aarong products using different tradi tional Nakshi Kantha motif were there. The items included sarees, shalu/ar kanieez, taaga, shirts, kurtas, shawls, bed covers, cushion covers, wall hangings lampshades and jewellery boxes. The exhibition will continue till July 29 (from 9 am to 7 pm everyday). The exhibition is a pan of the ■Anrtv^saryBxWbittoh’StMs-by-Aarong.