Singing Bowl an unsung handicraft of Bankura, West Bengal, India

Bankura district has long cultural heritage in making of beautiful and world-famous handicrafts. Terracotta, Dokra, Stone Curving, Wood Curving, Weaving is few examples among them. But besides these well-known handicrafts, ‘Singing Bowl’ remains unsung to everybody. It is an outstanding handicraft making of alloy at various places of this district and the state of West Bengal. This bowl can have made from bell and brass metal. In the past, these bowls were use in worships of God, for holistic rituals, and domestic use. But presently this bowl is using in medical sound therapy and music. For the sound therapy and sound healing this bowl become an international interest of trade. The study shows that, in Pukhuria moza of Simlapal block, Bankura District currently around 250 households engaged in making of Singing Bowl. The artisans have to work hard throughout the year to meet the ever-increasing global needs but their economic condition remains unsatisfactory. Therefore, in this work we are trying to understand the making and marketing process of the singing bowl, economic dichotomies between artisans and traders and also to find a sustainable way to attain the sustainable livelihood for all.