Plastic Vs Palm Leave: Cultural Decline of Basketry in South Punjab
M Atif Ismail
Punjab: In the culturally rich region of South Punjab, the age-old craft of weaving household items from date palm leaves is slowly fading into oblivion.
Once a cornerstone of rural life, the art of creating bread baskets (Changair), hot pots (Sindhra), and other handcrafted items now faces extinction, overwhelmed by urbanization and modern lifestyles.
For generations, women in villages across South Punjab meticulously crafted these woven items, their hands moving with practiced skill. Changair, locally known as Kanjeer in the Seraiki belt, was once a staple on every dining table.
Before the rise of synthetic plastic, these beautifully stitched baskets were integral to every household, filled with vibrant colors and intricate patterns, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes.
A Tradition Lost to Modernity
However, by the 1990s, this craft began to fade from the daily life of the region. As cities expanded and lifestyles changed, palm groves were cleared for urban development, and women who once wove Changairs turned to other forms of livelihood.
The legacy of these handcrafted products, such as mats, caps, table covers, and cot weaves, has almost completely vanished.
In villages like Sahanwala near Rajanpur, weaving was once a thriving cottage industry. Women would spend their days in the courtyards, soaking palm leaves and weaving them into intricate designs.
The rhythmic sound of their work filled the air, a melody of tradition passed down through generations. But with the loss of palm groves and the rise of urbanization, the craft has dwindled to a memory.
A Silent Usurper
With the increasing availability and affordability of plastic products, traditional handmade crafts have been replaced. Cheap, mass-produced synthetic baskets now dominate the markets and households, leaving no room for the delicate, handcrafted Changairs.
Despite their widespread use, plastic alternatives pose health risks. Experts warn that placing hot food in plastic containers can release harmful chemicals that seep into meals, potentially causing digestive disorders, ulcers, and even long-term conditions like cancer.
The Dangers of Plastic
Medical experts, including Dr. Waqas Arqam Malik, highlight the hidden dangers of using plastic utensils, particularly when exposed to high temperatures.
Micro-particles from plastics can be ingested, leading to liver and kidney damage, hormonal imbalances, and carcinogenic effects. Despite these health hazards, the convenience of plastic products continues to overshadow the importance of preserving traditional crafts.
A Cultural Heritage Fading Away
Once a symbol of resilience, culture, and craftsmanship, the Changair now lingers in forgotten corners of rural shops, roadside dhabas, and distant villages untouched by urban rush. The traditional art of weaving, woven with the patience of countless hands, is now unraveling thread by thread, slipping away into the folds of time.
South Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, once immortalized in every handmade item, now faces a dire fate. The question remains: will these traditions be preserved, or will they become nothing more than a fading memory of a time long past?
