Information about Bamboo and Cane Crafts
Location: Shillong
State: Meghalaya
Capital: Shillong
Language: Khasi, Garo, English
Temperature: Max 37˚C, Min 15˚C (summer),Max 28˚C, Min 8˚C (winter)
Best Season: March to July.
How to Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is located at Guwahati in Assam, which is about 128 Kms from Shillong. Guwahati is well connected to Kolkata, New Delhi, Baghdogra and Bangkok by regular flights. Taxis can be hired from Guwahati Airport to Shillong. There is a helicopter service from Guwahati Airport to Shillong.
By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Guwahati, which is located at a distance of 103 Kms from Shillong.
By Road: Meghalaya Transport Corporation and Assam State Transport Corporation buses are available, that frequently ply from Guwahati to Shillong.
Cane and bamboo crafts have their own place in the economy of the Meghalaya, just after the agriculture. The artisans of the state keep themselves busy with making crafts after devoting time to agriculture. In the state of Meghalaya, there are two types of products made from bamboo and crafts. One of which is medium quality articles that are used for daily purposes and others are such articles which are of superior quality and used for both functional and decorative and are designed to meet the changing requirements of market. The Khasis are famous for evolving striking cane baskets. The Garo hills are highly affluent in producing numerous forms of bamboo culture. Bamboo and cane of Garos includes some species that resemble Khasi bamboo and cane. Further steps are required to be taken to develop supplementary or small scale hills as myriads of forest lands are covered with bamboo orchids. There are several sorts of constructions and craft that are made from bamboo like different kinds of mat and basket making. Semi- tropical climate facilitates the swift growth of excellent variety of bamboo in state.In Meghalaya, Khasi women wear a big round hat made of a circular bamboo frame along with the thick rim which is covered with the cloth. Moorahs, mats and khasi umbrella (known as kurup) are some of the medium quality products