From Riverbanks to Modern Commerce : Jeetu's Mission to save Sikki Art
In the vibrant heart of Janakpur, specifically in Hanspatti, the air is thick with the rich traditions of Mithila culture. For Jeetu Kumar Shah, these traditions weren't just history, they were the fabric of his childhood.
Growing up, Jeetu’s home was a workshop of natural beauty. He remembers his mother heading toward the riverbanks to gather Sikki - a unique, golden-hued natural grass. He watched her with fascination as she painstakingly cleaned, cut, and dyed the fibers, transforming them into intricate baskets (Nanglo), lamps (Diyo), and storage containers.
In Mithila culture, these aren't just household items. They are sacred. Whether it was for Chhath Puja, weddings, or Rakshya Bandhan, the offerings of fruits and sweets felt more meaningful when held in a vessel born from the earth, rather than cold steel or plastic.
As the years passed, Jeetu noticed a heartbreaking shift. The markets became flooded with cheap plastic and mass-produced glass. The golden glow of Sikki started to fade from homes. Even the skilled artisans began to forget their craft, as there was no longer a market to sustain them.
"People were losing touch with the essence of our rituals," Jeetu recalls. "When I looked for Sikki products in the market, all I saw was straw and hay. The real art, the vibrant colors and intricate Mithila designs, was disappearing."
The turning point came during Jeetu’s college years. While studying entrepreneurship and market feasibility, he realized that his mother’s craft wasn't just a memory; it was a viable, sustainable business waiting to be reborn.
With the support of his college’s incubation lab (KMC's Incubation Lab), Jeetu began to bridge the gap between ancient tradition and modern commerce. His journey took a massive leap forward when he participated in the College Idea Hunt, organized by Idea Studio Nepal, where his vision for reviving Sikki art was selected as one of the best ideas. He furthe went on to win the competition with his products. This win provided him with the platform he needed.
Today, Jeetu’s vision is slowly turning into a reality. What started with his mother’s 20 years of expertise has grown into a venture that empowers local artisans. Currently, Jeetu works with three Didis from his community who hand-weave every piece from tea coasters and pen holders to elaborate flower baskets, all featuring authentic Mithila designs.
We can now find these sustainable, handcrafted treasures across social media, online platform like Tekka, and at specialized hubs like I-Service and KMC Incubation Lab.
Looking back at the journey from the riverbanks of Janakpur to the bustling markets of Kathmandu, Jeetu is overwhelmed with thanks.
For him, this isn't just about selling baskets; it’s about ensuring that the golden grass of Mithila never stops shining.