Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal

Bamboo Winnows, Masks and Baskets

Dakshin Dinajpur is a recognised hub of bamboo craft, where artisans split and weave locally grown bamboo into winnows (tray-like bamboo baskets used in Bengal households and rituals), various baskets, hand-held fans and sieves, finished with painted auspicious symbols for marriages and ceremonies. The Kumarganj area is a noted centre of bamboo craft, and villages such as Ushaharan are specifically known for bamboo masks. Pieces are everyday, lightweight and durable, and make an authentic North Bengali souvenir. Buyers get functional ritual and kitchen ware made by established village clusters that also supply cane and bamboo goods through local workshops.

Typical price: ₹100-1500

Buying tip: Local bamboo workshops around Kumarganj and the Balurghat market sell winnows, baskets and fans at village prices; painted ceremonial pieces command more. Look for tight, even weaving and smooth splints that won't prick.