Celebrating craft and culture: The living heritage of Bangladesh
World Heritage Week offers a chance to reflect on Bangladesh’s artistic heritage, where khadi, natural dyes, and the sampan embody centuries-old traditions
World Heritage Week, observed annually from 19th to 26th November, serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage that defines our shared identities. In Bangladesh, this vibrant legacy comes alive through a diverse range of artisanal crafts, from the timeless elegance of handwoven khadi to the vivid hues of natural dyes.
Rooted in centuries-old practices, these traditions are carefully preserved and reimagined for the modern world. Organisations like Friendship, through its Cultural Preservation Sector and Friendship Colours of the Chars, a prominent slow fashion brand, are championing these efforts.
They ensure that the artistry, skills, and stories behind these crafts are passed onto future generations. By safeguarding traditional techniques and promoting sustainable livelihoods, they are not only preserving the past but also building pathways to a more equitable and culturally enriched future.
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Khadi: Threads of sustainability and empowerment
One of Bangladesh's most iconic contributions to global craftsmanship is khadi, a handwoven fabric that carries deep historical and cultural significance. Originating in the Swadeshi movement, khadi represented self-reliance and resistance against colonialism.
Today, its legacy endures as a beacon of sustainability and rural empowerment.
Hand-spun and handwoven using age-old techniques, khadi stands apart from mass-produced textiles. Its minimal environmental footprint and alignment with the global slow fashion movement have made it an enduring symbol of conscious consumption.
Beyond its eco-friendly qualities, khadi plays a crucial role in rural economies, providing livelihoods to marginalised communities—particularly women—who skillfully weave tradition into every thread.
Despite its significance, khadi was disappearing in the machine era, but efforts are now underway to revive this timeless craft—from the top to bottom. Beginning with the plant and cotton, the entire process is natural, handspun, and crafted using natural dyes in a zero-waste approach.
This revival ensures that khadi is rejuvenated from its very roots to its finished products, making it relevant and accessible to the modern-day consumer.
Centres like the Gandhi Ashram Trust, which date back to the early 20th century, continue to uphold this craft, ensuring that khadi remains relevant in a world increasingly drawn to sustainable alternatives. Each piece of khadi fabric tells a story of resilience, heritage, and the transformative power of tradition.
Natural dyes: Colours rooted in heritage
Complementing the artistry of khadi is the ancient tradition of natural dyeing, a craft that adds depth and vibrancy to Bangladesh's textile heritage. Derived from plants like indigo (neel), olive (jolpai), catechu (khoyer), pomegranate peel (dalim-er khosha), and madder root (manjit), these dyes create rich, enduring colours while embodying a commitment to sustainable practices.
Indigo, once a highly sought-after export of Bengal, evokes the region's historical prominence in global trade. Similarly, madder roots yield shades of red that symbolise vitality and celebration. Catechu adds warm brown tones, olive imparts muted greens, and pomegranate peel offers soft, golden hues, showcasing the diverse palette nature provides.
The revival of natural dyeing techniques has become a cornerstone of Friendship Cultural Preservation's mission. By preserving these eco-friendly methods and transferring them to new generations through dedicated training programs by Friendship Colours of the Chars, the organisation not only sustains traditional practices but also empowers communities through the act of preservation.
These efforts help artisans reconnect with their roots while addressing the growing global demand for ethical and sustainable textiles, ensuring that these techniques remain vibrant and relevant for years to come.
Preserving maritime craftsmanship: The sampan
Bangladesh's heritage preservation efforts extend far beyond textiles to embrace its rich maritime traditions, which hold a profound place in the nation's cultural identity. Among these is the traditional wooden sampan, a majestic seafaring vessel that embodies the history and ingenuity of coastal and riverine communities.
With a maritime history spanning over 3,000 years, Bangladesh's waterways have served as vital lifelines for trade, fishing, and salt collection. At the heart of this aquatic legacy is the sampan—an ancient, handcrafted boat that was indispensable to daily life and an iconic symbol of maritime craftsmanship.
Known for its graceful design and robust seafaring capabilities, the sampan navigated both tranquil rivers and turbulent seas, connecting communities and fostering commerce across regions. These vessels were more than practical tools; they were intricate works of art, crafted using techniques passed down through generations.
The sampan reflects Bangladesh's harmonious relationship with its water-rich geography, where rivers and seas were not merely modes of transport but threads that wove communities together.
The cultural influence of sampans extended far beyond their functional roles. They inspired poetry, literature, art, and music, embedding the life of boatmen and river-bound communities into the broader cultural tapestry of Bangladesh.
One of the most poignant examples is the song "Ore Sampanwala", a beloved Bangla melody celebrated for generations. The song captures the emotional and physical struggles of the sampanwala (the Sampan's majhi), his deep connection to the rivers, and his yearning for a better life.
Its themes of resilience and longing resonate deeply, celebrating the enduring bond between humanity and nature.
Today, Friendship Cultural Preservation is working to keep the sampan's legacy alive. Through initiatives such as detailed documentation, 3D modelling, and digital archiving, they ensure the designs, construction methods, and cultural significance of these majestic vessels are preserved for future generations.
These efforts quietly safeguard a craft that exemplifies the harmony between human ingenuity and natural resources. By honouring the sampan's legacy, they also highlight the broader cultural elements—art, music, and literature—that have been shaped by Bangladesh's waterways.
From its role in sustaining livelihoods and facilitating trade to its inspiration of creative expressions, the sampan stands as a timeless symbol of Bangladesh's maritime heritage, identity, and resilience.
Weaving a legacy together
The intertwined stories of khadi, natural dyes, and sampans underscore the breadth of Bangladesh's cultural wealth. Friendship Cultural Preservation's initiatives remind us that heritage is not a static relic but a dynamic, living force that adapts to contemporary needs while maintaining its essence.
By safeguarding these traditions, we honour not only our history but also the people who sustain these crafts against the pressures of modernization.
As we celebrate World Heritage Week, let us reflect on the resilience and creativity embedded in these traditions. Supporting initiatives like those led by Friendship helps preserve these treasures and fosters sustainable livelihoods for communities across the country.
From the vivid spectrum of natural dyes to the tactile beauty of khadi, and the enduring craftsmanship of the sampan, each effort to preserve our heritage enriches the cultural fabric of Bangladesh. Together, these elements form a legacy that inspires pride and continuity for generations to come.
Nazra Mahjabeen Sabet is the CEO of Friendship Colours of the Chars.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
