Nakshi kantha

Nakshi kantha is a kind of embroidered quilt. The name was taken from the Bangali word, ‘Naksha’ which means artistic pattern. It is a kind of traditional craft and is said to be indigenous to Bangladesh and West Bangal in India. The art has been practiced in rural Bangal for centuries. The name nakshi kantha become popular after the poet Jasimuddin’s poem “Nakshi Kanthar Math” was published in 1929.

Traditional kanthas are made for family use. Old or new cloth and thread are used to make these quilts. Old or new cloth and coloured thread are needed. First the cloth is folded. At least two cloths are used. First the four corners of the cloth are fixed with small wooden stick or big nail. Then the chosen design is drawn in the cloth with pencil. After this, designs are made with colourful threads according to the pencil image. Trees, flowers, bird, fish, pichers etc are designed in nakshi kantha. Now it is produced commercially. These are found in many expensive handicraft shops in cities. The quilts are now in great demand because of the colourful patterns and designs embroidered on them.