Bhagalpur: Traditional bamboo soops used during Chhath Puja are getting a cultural makeover, with artists from Bihar’s Bhagalpur decorating them with the region’s renowned Manjusha art. The initiative has attracted orders from the United States, taking a distinctive folk art associated with the Ang region to Chhath devotees living abroad.
Manjusha art guru Manoj Pandit and his team are currently working on decorating the soops, which are traditionally used to arrange fruits, offerings and other puja materials while offering arghya to the Sun God during Chhath Puja.
The initiative brings together two important elements of Bihar’s cultural heritage: the religious significance of Chhath and the traditional folk art of Bhagalpur. Once completed, the decorated soops will carry the artistic identity of the Ang region to households and communities in the United States.
Artists Receive Orders for 100–200 Soops
According to Manoj Pandit, the demand for soops decorated with Manjusha art has been growing, with orders coming from different parts of India as well as overseas.
Pandit said the team has received orders for approximately 100 to 200 soops. Apart from the United States, demand has also come through organisations such as Bajana and InPower to Earn.
While the orders have encouraged local artists, meeting the demand within the available time remains a challenge. The team is working according to its production capacity to ensure that the soops are completed and delivered on time without compromising on quality.
Pandit said receiving orders from the United States was a matter of pride for the artists, as it reflected growing interest in Bhagalpur’s traditional art beyond its geographical roots.
Artists Aim to Connect Manjusha Art With Chhath Tradition
Manjusha artist Gautam Kumar sees the initiative as more than an effort to decorate traditional puja items. He believes connecting the art form with the cultural and religious traditions familiar to people can help introduce it to a wider audience.
Chhath Puja is an important cultural tradition of Bihar, while Manjusha art has deep roots in the history and folklore of the Ang region. The art form is closely associated with the folk narrative of Bihula and Bishahari, which forms a significant part of Bhagalpur’s cultural identity.
Kumar said his aim is to take Manjusha art to every part of Bihar and eventually introduce it to audiences across the world. He expressed happiness over receiving orders from the United States and hoped that the initiative would attract orders from other countries in the future.
Manjusha Art Brings Regional Identity to Chhath Offerings
Manjusha art is known for its distinctive patterns, lines, colours and imagery inspired by regional folklore. Traditionally associated with Bhagalpur, it reflects the cultural memories and artistic heritage of the Ang region.
By incorporating this art into the soops used during Chhath Puja, artists are creating a link between a longstanding religious tradition and a regional art form.
The initiative could also help introduce younger generations to Bihar’s folk heritage and create opportunities for local artists. As Chhath celebrations continue among the Indian diaspora, the decorated soops offer a way for people living abroad to remain connected to the traditions and cultural identity of their homeland.
