This Pujo, Boston Durgabari brings you the timeless rustic beauty of the madurs of Midnapore
The word madur is a generic term for floor mats, woven from a reed called Madurkathi. Madurkathi is not merely a material. It is a GI-tagged (Geographical Indication) craft of India, recognised for its unique cultural and geographical identity. The mats woven from this grass are so deeply embedded in Bengali culture that they appear in literature, folk songs, and the everyday rituals of millions of homes.
Madur: A cottage industry
This cottage industry contributes significantly to the income of rural Midnapore families. The heartland of Madurkathi weaving is Sabang block in Paschim Medinipur district. Here, entire communities — predominantly women — are engaged in the cultivation and weaving of Madurkathi. Other important hubs include Pingla and Narayangarh.
In essence, the Madur of Midnapore is not merely a mat; it’s a symbol of Bengal’s rich heritage, the dexterity of its artisans, and the enduring spirit of its rural communities. By supporting and celebrating this craft, we contribute to the preservation of a cultural legacy that has woven its way through centuries.
BDB’s humble attempt at showcasing forgotten artisans of West Bengal
Boston Durgabari is proud to celebrate this timeless art form at our 2026 Durga Pujo celebrations. We bring you the beautiful madurs created by master artisan Sri. Tapas Kumar Jana who won the National Award in 2016 for his beautiful madur weaves. Join us, this Puja to celebrate the beautiful madurs of Midnapore and the artists who weave them painstakingly… one grass blade at a time.
Hope to see you there…