Bhojpur. Two sisters from Bhojpur have been running a cottage business weaving traditional woolen clothes for the past four decades.

Rasila Tamrakar and Hiramaya Tamrakar have been keeping this profession alive for the 42 years with an aim to preserve and transfer traditional skills amidst the increasing use of modern technology and readymade clothes. According to Rasila Tamrakar, she has been using traditional spinning wheel and hosiery machine to produce sweaters, chownees, blouses, mufflers, caps and other clothes from woolen yarn. According to him, the clothes are designed and sized as per the demand of students, local residents and special order customers.

In the past, more than half a dozen such cottage factories were in operation in Bhojpur, but most of them have closed down in recent years. He said that they have been continuing this profession for four decades despite various challenges.

“We have been doing this profession continuously since 2040 BS”, said Rasila Tamrakar, adding, “This profession which was once employed by many people is now on the verge of extinction.” We are sticking to it with the intention of preserving traditional skills. ”

The industry, which is being operated under the name ‘Azima Woolen Vastralaya’, generates a turnover of around seven lakhs annually. According to them, they can earn up to 50 percent of their income by deducting raw materials and other expenses. Hiramaya Tamrakar said that the woolen clothes produced here are sent to different districts of the country as gifts as gifts. The yarn and other raw materials are imported from Dharan, Itahari, among other cities.

The local senior citizens believe that the traditional cottage industries will not only create employment opportunities but also contribute to the preservation of local culture if the local level supports in the promotion of skills, skill transfer programs and market management.