With changing times, earthen utensils are making a strong comeback in rural Jhenaidah, as their demand steadily rises.
In response, the number of shops selling these traditional items has also increased to meet the growing interest.
Young people, especially college and university students, many of them women, are showing a renewed preference for earthenware. As a result, shops in town are bustling with customers.
Tahrim Habib and Sharmin Akter, both students of a science and technology university, were spotted purchasing earthen pots at a shop near the Gorsthan area in Jhenaidah town.
They shared that they regularly use earthen plates and water glasses in their homes. In addition to their functional use, the colorful earthenware also serves as decorative pieces. They take pride in incorporating these eco-friendly items into their daily lives.
Sharmin Sultana Lipi, a homemaker from the Modernpara area, visited the shop with her school-going daughter, Mridula.
She mentioned that buying earthen goods is a regular hobby for them. Her late father also preferred using earthen plates, and now her family extensively uses clay-made household items.
Government employee Ranjan Biswas and his wife Swapna Biswas also came to buy earthen utensils. They recalled that their ancestors relied heavily on earthenware for daily use. Even in agriculture, seeds of paddy, wheat, jute, and oilseeds were once stored in earthen pots to keep them fresh throughout the year. The couple emphasized that earthenware is not only practical but also environmentally friendly.
Saiful Islam and Manwara Begum, who run an earthenware shop on Gorsthan Road, admitted that they were initially concerned about their business when they started it two months ago.
However, they are now pleased with the increasing demand and daily sales. People from all walks of life, including those from rural areas, are returning to these traditional products.
Experts believe this shift is crucial for sustainability. With the widespread use of plastic and non-biodegradable materials degrading soil quality and harming the environment, a return to earthenware could have long-term benefits.
Strengthening awareness campaigns and ensuring the availability of affordable earthen goods could help encourage more people to adopt this eco-friendly lifestyle, said Sasti Chandra Roy, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE).
