Straw products in modern avatar: Moonj

Moonj grass is abundantly found in riverbanks, and also used as a border grass in fields in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, says our artisan partner, Om Prakashji, who works with over 250 women artisans who weave the baskets and other products at home. The craft of weaving Moonj grass is about a century old, with many artisans concentrated around Prayagraj (earlier Allahabad). “What used to be something that women did in their houses has now become a craft they are able to earn from,” says Om Prakashji.