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The Process of Weaving Moonj Products

A combination of Moonj and Kaasa grass is popular in Sultanpur for weaving the grass products because both the grasses grow abundantly in this area. The raw material is available once a year, so the craftsmen purchase it to meet the demand for the entire year.

The first step is to make knots of green layers of Moonj, locally known as Balla. Then keep in the open sun for drying. It’s dipped into water for a few hours so that it becomes more flexible for weaving. Some Ballas are boiled in water mixed with desired colors to make colorful patterns in weaving. The Ballas are coiled around the dried Kaasa grass very tightly which makes it almost waterproof. Salai, the needle-like tool is used for weaving.

The Govt. of Uttar Pradesh has initiated the “One District One Product” scheme to promote the indigenous crafts of the state. Moonj products are recognized under the ODOP scheme for Sultanpur.