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The mighty Kosi river flows down from the mountains of Nepal into the plains of Bihar. It is often dubbed ‘Bihar’s sorrow’ because of the devastating floods it causes.
But the river has a benevolent side too. It provides livelihood to millions of India’s poorest. Take for instance the reeds and grasses that grow along its banks. The people of Bihar’s Kosi region have learnt the fine art of making mats from these natural fibres.
One such grass is the Sikki. It is golden-coloured and used by local artisans to weave mats and also make baskets and other items.
Yet another material used to make mats is pater, or river reed, which also grows along the Kosi river. Besides mats, it is also used to make thatch for housing.
Water hyacinth is an invasive weed in many water bodies of the country. But in the Kosi region, local women artisans make it into various products.
The Kosi may ravage the region during the monsoon. But it also provides livelihood and fosters art in the region named after it.