Agartala, 11th May 2026: As scorching heat continues to affect daily life, traditional hand fans still remain a dependable source of relief in many rural households of Bengal and Tripura. In the Sardarpara area of Fatikrai under Unkoti district, sixty-year-old artisan Rina Debnath is making determined efforts to preserve the age-old craft of hand fan making, which is gradually disappearing amid the rise of modern technology and electrical appliances.
Using bamboo, cane, palm leaves and wool, Rina Debnath creates four to five varieties of hand fans with the support of her family members. Patterned woolen fans are currently among the most popular items. Despite managing regular household responsibilities, she spends hours every day crafting the fans by hand. Her products are sold in local markets as well as village fairs on both wholesale and retail basis, helping her contribute financially to the family while keeping rural traditions alive.
There was a time when hand fans were the only means of comfort during the summer in villages without electricity. These handmade fans were not just practical household items but also reflected the rich folk culture and heritage of rural communities. However, with the increasing use of electricity, electric fans and inverters, the demand for traditional hand fans has declined sharply over the years.
Speaking about the changing times, Rina Debnath said that earlier the demand for hand fans was much higher, but even today many people continue to use them. She added that she learned the craft at the age of fifteen and has continued the work ever since with passion and dedication. According to her, the craft not only preserves tradition but also provides additional income for the family.
At a time when many traditional folk arts are fading due to rapid modernization and mechanical lifestyles, the efforts of artisans like Rina Debnath stand as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural roots. However, without proper support, encouragement and preservation initiatives, such traditional crafts may one day survive only in memories and history books.
