Craftsmen use shola as an eco-friendly alternative to thermocol
The Statesman | 24 August 2025
Shola refers to the sholapith plant, also known as Aeschynomene aspera or Indian cork. This plant thrives in marshy and waterlogged areas, particularly in the wetlands of Bora–Singur, Katwa, Santipur and neighbouring districts.
The sholapith craft, practised by artisans known as Malakars, involves creating various items from the plant’s dried, milky-white, spongy matter. Unlike thermocol (polystyrene foam), sholapith is non-toxic and biodegradable. For this reason, the state government is encouraging its use for decorative purposes, particularly in the adornment of idols of gods and goddesses.
Currently, however, polystyrene foam remains widely used as it is cheap and easily available. Shola is comparatively costlier, and since polystyrene foam sheets can be easily moulded into decorative items, many artists and craftsmen prefer them for higher profit margins.
Thermocol, made from polystyrene, is highly toxic and non-biodegradable. Its use has now been strictly prohibited for commercial decorative purposes.
Shola, on the other hand, is traditionally used to create intricate designs, flowers, and leaves for decorations, especially during festivals such as Durga Puja.
Goutam Modak, an artist and craftsman from Somrabazar in Balagarh, has introduced an innovative method to replace thermocol with a combination of sholapith and art paper for idol decorations. He explained: “It is my effort to use biodegradable natural resources for preparing decorative items for the deity. By combining sholapith with art paper, I have been able to replicate the effects of thermocol. Glossy and matte art paper is folded into spiral springs, which are then pasted on traced designs to shape ornaments and jewellery for the deities. The entire colourful chalchitra—the decorative backdrop behind the deities—is made entirely from art paper and cloth.
However, this process requires skilled craftsmanship, long hours of labour and considerable investment. As a result, idols decorated with Sholapith and art paper are much more expensive than those adorned with thermocol.”
Sholapith craft remains an integral part of Bengali culture, passed down through generations, and is increasingly being seen as an eco-friendly alternative to harmful synthetic materials.