In a land of countless festivals and seasonal traditions, Shitalpati has long brought comfort during Bangladesh’s intense summer heat. More than just a woven mat, it is a timeless symbol of Bengali folk art and cultural heritage. Once admired in the royal courts of the Mughal emperors and even in Queen Victoria’s palace in Britain as a mark of elegance and sophistication, Shitalpati has now earned recognition as one of Bangladesh’s officially registered Geographical Indication (GI) products. The Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) formally recognized it as a specialized product of Bangladesh, opening new doors for this traditional craft in the international market.
Read More: Baisabi: The Vibrant Festival of Harmony in the Chittagong Hill Tracts
The essence of Shitalpati lies within its very name. During scorching heat, simply lying on this mat creates a naturally cool and soothing sensation that no artificial mat or fabric can truly replicate. What makes Shitalpati even more remarkable is that it is crafted entirely by hand without the use of modern machinery. From collecting the murta cane to preparing strips, trimming fibers, and weaving intricate patterns, every step depends on the expertise and patience of skilled artisans.
Creating a high-quality Shitalpati requires nearly 15 to 20 days of dedicated labor by an artisan. While ordinary mats may start at around 500 BDT, finely woven pieces with elaborate designs can cost 6,000 BDT or even more.
Today, the craft has evolved beyond traditional mats. Artisans now use murta cane to create a variety of lifestyle products such as flower vases, decorative showpieces, toys, prayer mats, file folders, pen holders, designer bags, photo and mirror frames, wall mats, and even footwear.
The heritage of Bangladesh’s Shitalpati is as ancient and prestigious as muslin. In the past, Shitalpati woven by artisans from Teghoria village in Balaganj, Sylhet, was sent as gifts to Mughal emperors. Historical records also suggest that these elegant mats found their way into Queen Victoria’s royal court in Britain.
Recognizing its deep historical and cultural significance, UNESCO included the traditional weaving art of Bangladesh’s Shitalpati in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.
The Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) has played a leading role in establishing Shitalpati as a unique Bangladeshi product on the global stage. For years, the organization has worked as a major supporter of artisans and entrepreneurs involved in this craft. Following these efforts, an official application was submitted to the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) under the Ministry of Industries to register Shitalpati as a GI product. After careful evaluation, it was officially recognized as one of Bangladesh’s Geographical Indication products.
Receiving GI certification has provided Bangladesh’s Shitalpati with legal protection and a unique identity in the international marketplace. As a result, no other country can now claim Shitalpati as its own traditional product. With growing global demand for eco-friendly and heritage-based products across Europe, America, and beyond, Bangladesh now has the opportunity to export Shitalpati and related handcrafted goods at premium prices.
If the industry continues to grow profitably, artisans from regions such as Sylhet and Barishal will receive fair recognition and compensation for their craftsmanship, while younger generations may become more interested in preserving and continuing this traditional profession.
Shitalpati remains a beautiful reflection of Bangladesh’s riverine landscape, earthy roots, and extraordinary creativity. Through the GI recognition achieved with the support of BSCIC, this treasured folk art is not only being protected from extinction but is also helping Bangladesh shine brighter on the global cultural map.