By TC News Desk
Agartala, 8th January 2026: As the winter chill ushers in the festive spirit of Poush Sankranti, villages across Bengal are alive with celebrations. New harvests, traditional rice cakes, and a variety of local sweets mark the season. In Gokulnagar village under Fatikroy block of Unakoti district, artisans are busy preparing the age-old delicacies tillai and batasha, which hold a special place during the festival.
Every year, these sweets from Gokulnagar enjoy high demand not only in nearby areas but also across the district. However, this season, despite steady orders, local artisans are grappling with a pressing concern—shortage of skilled workers.
Many experienced sweet-makers have shifted to other professions or migrated in search of work, leaving production lines strained. As a result, artisans worry about meeting festival orders on time.
“During Sankranti, the demand for tillai and batasha is at its peak. But without enough workers, production has fallen short. This is directly affecting our income,” said one local craftsman.
The artisans fear that unless the labor crisis is addressed, this traditional cottage industry may gradually fade away. For them, sustaining the heritage of Poush Sankranti sweets is not just about livelihood—it is about preserving a cultural legacy that binds communities together.
