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The workshop was held in the Bhatibari village of Alipurduar from June 12-16 2019. where 10 Shola artists participated under the supervision of legendary Shola artist Kamal Malakar, Srikanta Paul a contemporary artist and Mrityunjay Kumar, a designer was also present.

Rameswarpu in Howrah is a hub of Shola . Approximately 100 families are involved in the craft. The raw materials are collected from Munshirhat in Howrah. The main products are ritualistic in nature. Kodom, Topor (wedding headgear), Chandmala and ornaments of the idols are found. Apart from this, during the season of ‘Rash’ (a religious festival) they make decorations for the fair. Birds (rashpakhi), flowers (rashful), and trees (rashgach) are few of the objects made.

There are around 25 families working with Shola in the areas of Chaparer Par, and Bhatibari. Raw material is obtained from Assam. The main products are Kodom, birds, fruits, replica of musical instruments, toys and different ritualistic products based on local tradition. The young generation of this region are more involved in the craft in comparison to other places. Most of the products found in Alipurduar has its origin in the traditions of Rangpur. Saitol, Mashan are significant craft products of this region.

In the areas of Bhetaguri, Chhoto-Atiyabari, and Panishala the number of families associated with the craft of making Shola is around 35. They collect Shola from the markets which are brought from Assam. The products found here are created based on the folk tradition and folk lore. Saitol, Manashar Chali, Manashar Bhura and other ritualistic products are made.

In Malda the legacy of Shola craft is carried by Mukesh Saha. The products found here are architectural models and sculptures.

In Goalpara, Atghara, Kunoor and Dehat total 45 families are involved in Shola Craft making. Manashar Bhura, Mukha ( Gomira Dance), Ritualistic Masks, Kodom, Topor are the products made throughout the year according to need. Manashar Chali or Bhura is made before July during the festival of Manasa Puja to please the serpent goddess. The Shola crafts of Dinajpur reflects the rituals of the place

In Bogula, Krishnanagar, Muragachha and Mrigi of Nadia, total 25 families work with Shola. In Muragachha local puppetry groups make Shola puppets for their performance and sometimes they also sell to other groups. The puppets cost around Rs. 2000-5000.Previously orders for Puppets came from Bankura, Cooch Behar and Alipurduar. The Shola ornaments made for the idols are of great importance

The Shola crafts of Murshidabad carry the reflection of the ivory lineage. The intricate detailed carvings, the fine workmanship are all examples of Ivory craft. As Ivory got banned it was replaced by Shola.  Samir Saha of Berhampore is a presidential award winner Shola craft artist keeping the tradition alive. Sandip Biswas is another eminent artist living in Khagra of Murshidabad. The products found are fine and intricate like Mayurpankhi

In the areas of Surul and Kinnahar in Birbhum there are three master craftsmen. Shri Ananta Malakar, a Presidential Award winning artist specializes in idol ornamentation. His works are displayed in museums abroad. He is a master trainer who has been training younger generation over the years.  Apart from him in the Surul area lives Kamala Malakar, another veteran Shola craft artist. He is specialised in sculpting and model making.

Around 6000 thousand artists, mostly women are involved in this craft. The main market for the craftsmen is different handicraft fair. From here products are also exported to different states, mostly in South India and also in foreign countries. The Exports are handled by business entities from Kolkata and Bangalore. Product price ranges from Rs 20-500. The artists are mostly from Mathurapur block. Variety of Shola flowers are the main product of this region.

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