ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमःॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः
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Scenic Beauty of Manipur in the North – East of India
Manipur’s ‘Kouna Craft’ is casting spell on handicraft sector
Kouna is a perennial aquatic herb. The eco-friendly plant grows in the low lying paddy fields and is culturally associated with the mythical holy snake god ‘Nongda Lairen Pakhan.’
Kouna cultivation demands less investment than paddy (major crop in Manipur), but can produce higher income once cultivated. It will consistently produce its goods for more than 25-30 years if properly handled.
Commonly referred to as bulrush, Manipur craftsmen lovingly call the wild water reed – Kouna – in their local language.
Medicinal value, the new Kouna shoot is used by locals as an herb to treat chronic fever and sleeping on Kouna mats is believed to alleviate people from back pain.
Kouna’s biodegradable, non-toxic and air-conditioning qualities make it the perfect raw material for home decor products such as mattresses, carpets, etc.
The plant is naturally immune to insects and helps to reduce water waste by removing harmful microorganisms and toxic metals. In addition, the plant provides an ideal shelter for wild birds, and its thick roots act as a strategic sanctuary for fish.
Kauna Grass Handicrafts: Google Arts & Culture
Water reed is known to mankind for a long time now. Hailing from the Cyperaceae family, water reed is an aquatic plant that is cultivated extensively in the marshlands of north-east India, especially in Manipur, where it is known as Kauna. READ ABOUT THE KAUNA CRAFTS OF MANIPUR
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🌿 The Craftsmanship Behind Kouna Weaving
Kouna grass, native to Manipur’s wetlands, is harvested and sun-dried before being woven into various products. Artisans often use simple tools like hammers to flatten reeds and needles to weave intricate patterns. The process is labor-intensive, requiring skill and precision to create durable and aesthetically pleasing items.
🧵 Community and Cultural Significance
Kouna weaving is more than just a craft; it’s a communal activity deeply embedded in Manipuri culture. Families often gather to weave together, passing down techniques through generations. This tradition not only preserves cultural heritage but also fosters community bonding and provides a source of income, especially for women.
🌍 Modern Innovations and Global Reach
In recent years, Kouna products have gained international recognition. Artisans are now experimenting with new designs and products, such as handbags and home décor items, to cater to global markets. Organizations like Ziveli have played a pivotal role in this transformation, helping artisans modernize their offerings and expand their reach.
🌱 Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Kouna grass is biodegradable and grows abundantly without the need for pesticides, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic materials. Its cultivation also supports wetland ecosystems, providing habitats for various species and aiding in water purification.
🛍️ Where to Find Kouna Products
For readers interested in purchasing authentic Kouna products, several platforms offer a range of items:
- Ziveli: Offers contemporary Kouna products while supporting local artisans.
- Ethica Online: Features a variety of handcrafted Kouna bags and baskets.
- June Keri Homes: Provides home décor items made from Kouna grass.
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6 replies on “From Grass to Masterpiece: The Intricacy and Resilience of Manipur’s Kouna Grass Handicrafts”
Hello,
we based in Ahmedabad, we are looking for Kouna Reed baskets approx 500 bags …plz call 9925009629
Please contact NEHHDC ( North Eastern Handicrafts & Handloom Development Corporation ) at the link https://nehhdc.com/manipur
North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC), as the name suggests is an organisation that attempts to develop and promote the indigenous crafts of the region by connecting craftsmen to prospective markets and consumers and generating economic, cultural and social opportunities for creators while adding cultural value for consumers.
The corporation is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of India.
It offers a range of products from all the eight North Eastern states namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura.
The organisation procures handicrafts and handlooms from artisans and weavers across the region and retails the same through its chain of “Purbashree” Emporia located at Shillong, Guwahati, Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore and a Sales Promotion Office at Chennai.
Hi nice to meet you,info
bikashoinam2025@gmail.com
We closely work with the North East artisans .Our brand Soul for Earth is into handcrafted products from Manipur and Uttar Pradesh and we strongly believe in the sustainability of the handicrafts that are based on ancient wisdom.Thank you .You can get in touch with us at +919899077097
To find Kouna Reed baskets in Ahmedabad, you might need to explore various wholesale and craft markets, as Kouna Reed is more commonly sourced from Manipur, but you can find suppliers who deal in such handicrafts. Some notable markets in Ahmedabad where you could inquire include:
Lal Darwaja Market: Known for a wide range of traditional textiles and handicrafts. It’s one of the oldest and busiest markets in Ahmedabad and could potentially have vendors selling or who can source Kouna Reed baskets (BillClap).
Dhalgarwad Market: Famous for its traditional textiles and craft items. This market could also be a potential spot to look for handicraft items like Kouna Reed baskets (BillClap).
If these local markets don’t yield results, considering the specialized nature of Kouna Reed products, it could be worthwhile to contact manufacturers or suppliers who can customize or source these baskets on a larger scale. Websites like TradeIndia list various suppliers for specialized baskets, and while they primarily list suppliers for different types of baskets, you might find some who can source or manufacture Kouna Reed baskets as well (Tradeindia).
Additionally, JFH Horticultural Supplies Ltd, though not located in Ahmedabad, offers a variety of baskets and might be able to provide leads on where to find Kouna Reed baskets or similar products (JFH Horticultural).
It’s often useful to directly contact these markets or suppliers to inquire if they can meet your specific needs, especially for a large order like 500 baskets.
You can buy Kouna Reed baskets online from several Indian suppliers. ARTS of INDIA offers a variety of eco-friendly, handcrafted Kauna Grass nesting baskets which are available for delivery within India in 10-14 days. These baskets are entirely handmade, using natural Kauna reed, and they also offer customization options like cloth lining for an extra cost. You can place bulk orders directly through their website ARTS of INDIA.
IndiaMART is another platform where you can find multiple listings from suppliers of Kouna reed baskets across India, allowing you to inquire about bulk orders or specific designs directly from the suppliers IndiaMART.
These platforms should be able to fulfill your requirement of approximately 500 baskets.
Anyone who loves to buy any product made with the materials of Kouna, UrbanWave is a manufacturing unit base in Manipur glad to supply your needs and, more importantly, customise it too. To future buyer: waiting for your mail kounaurbanwave@gmail.com .