Bageshwar: Even today, handicrafts are given special importance in many hilly areas like Bageshwar of Uttarakhand. Handicraft materials are very beautiful and strong. Ringal (Nigal) mats are also made through handicraft art. The mat is called “Mauhat” in the local language of the mountains. Mauhat in the mountains is used for many purposes, from drying grains to keeping wedding puris, including honoring guests. The practice of Mauhat is still seen in the mountains. People of many villages including Poling of Bageshwar use Mauhat.
How is Mauhat made?
Bageshwar local expert Kishan Malda told Local 18 that mat (mauhat) is prepared from the outer peel of the stem of Ringal. Making a mat is a very laborious task. Artisans skilled in handicrafts are able to make Mauhat, but once made, a Mauhat is useful for two generations. To make Mauhat, the stems of Ringal are allowed to ripen on the tree. The stems are cut after ripening naturally.
it takes a lot of hard work
One by one, thin and long peels are removed from the stem. Weaving of Mauhat is started by drying the peel and inner part of the stem. A mat of about the size of a room is prepared from the thin and long fibers of Ringal. Skilled artisans of handicrafts make Mauhat in ten to fifteen days, because its weaving is fine and delicate. The mat is made with great care, so that there is no flaw of any kind in it.
how much is the price
Mauhat is still made in many Himalayan villages of Bageshwar. Although now machine made ringal mats are also sold in the market, there is a huge difference in the quality of ringal and machine made mats. Mauhats are still available for sale in Bhotiya market in Uttarayani, Bageshwar. Their price in that market ranges from Rs 10000 to Rs 15000.
The price of Mautah depends on the material used on it. In olden times, when Uttarayani fair was held, a separate shop of only Mauhat was set up, but now only a few people come to sell Mauhat. Skilled artisans making mohats in the mountains have also reduced. Due to which now only a few people make and sell it.
Tags: Bageshwar News, Local18, Uttrakhand
FIRST PUBLISHED : December 15, 2024, 1:45 PM IST
