Sola Pith Hand Fan, Bengal
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | December 30, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 15 |
| Quantity | 100,000 |
| Perforation | 13 |
| Printer | India Security Press, Nashik |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Nenu Gupta Shri. jatin Das |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3316 Yvert et Tellier IN 3007 Stanley Gibbons IN 3442 |
| Themes | Crafts |
The Ethereal Craft of Bengal
Introduction
The Sola Pith Hand Fan of West Bengal is a masterpiece of delicate craftsmanship, symbolizing purity, devotion, and artistic finesse. Made from the milky-white, sponge-like wood of the Sola tree, this traditional hand fan is light, elegant, and intricately designed. Used primarily in religious ceremonies and temple rituals, the Sola Pith fan embodies Bengal’s deep connection between art, spirituality, and tradition.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The art of crafting with Sola Pith, also known as Indian cork or sholapith, dates back centuries. Revered for its purity and natural beauty, Sola Pith has been used in Bengal to make ritual objects, temple decorations, and accessories for deity worship.
In religious ceremonies, these hand fans are offered to deities as a sign of devotion and reverence, especially during summer rituals. The softness and pristine white hue of the material symbolize purity, peace, and divine grace, making Sola Pith fans a sacred offering in temples across Bengal.
Artistry and Craftsmanship
The making of a Sola Pith Hand Fan requires immense skill and patience. Traditional artisans, often from rural Bengal, carefully carve the pith into intricate floral and geometric patterns, sometimes incorporating mythological or symbolic motifs.
Key features of Sola Pith Hand Fans include:
- Lightweight and delicate texture
- Milky-white finish that radiates purity
- Hand-carved designs inspired by traditional Bengali motifs
- Use in religious and ceremonial contexts
Despite their fragile nature, these fans display remarkable durability and timeless beauty, often used in Durga Puja and other temple festivities.
Ritual and Cultural Importance
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Sola Pith fans serve a sacred role in worship. They are used to gently fan idols of gods and goddesses, ensuring both comfort and symbolic purification. In many temples, they form an integral part of ritual paraphernalia, alongside conch shells, bells, and lamps.
These fans are also a part of Bengal’s folk traditions, reflecting the harmonious blend of devotion and artistry that characterizes the region’s cultural identity.
Commemorative Postage Stamp
To honor India’s heritage of traditional craftsmanship, the Department of Posts released a commemorative postage stamp series on Indian Hand Fans, showcasing sixteen exquisite varieties from across the country. The Sola Pith Hand Fan of Bengal is proudly featured in this series, celebrating its spiritual symbolism, artistic grace, and cultural legacy.
The stamp beautifully captures the fine detailing and elegance of the Sola Pith fan, immortalizing a centuries-old craft that continues to enchant admirers worldwide.
A Symbol of Purity and Tradition
The Sola Pith Hand Fan stands as a delicate yet enduring emblem of Bengal’s devotion and artistry. Through its lightness and purity, it represents not just an object of worship, but a bridge between art, faith, and heritage—a testament to India’s timeless cultural soul.