Kalikapatari Art:
Kalikapatari (or Kalikapatadi) is an indigenous folk dance form from Ratanpur, P.O. Amardha, Shyampur II Block, Howrah, West Bengal. Rooted in mythological tales of Goddess Kali and Shiva, it is traditionally performed by men, portraying divine battles against evil through symbolic gestures, dramatic movements, and vibrant storytelling. Usually staged during Gajan festivals and Shivaratri rituals, this art form had once declined but was revived under the Lok Prasar Prakalpa scheme, which provides financial and cultural support. Today, about 50 performers in Shyampur sustain Kalikapatari, preserving Howrah’s rich heritage and passing its spiritual energy to future generations.
The art of Zari work
The art of Zari work has long been the pride of Panchla Block, Howrah, where over 50,000 skilled artisans weave beauty into fabric. Concentrated in Panchla, Chara Panchla, Beldubi, Biki-hakola, and Jujarsah, their creations—saris, salwar suits, lehengas—travel far, adorning markets in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Delhi, Hyderabad, and beyond. Yet this centuries-old heritage faces grave challenges from machine embroidery, which threatens the value of handcrafted excellence. Despite their artistry, artisans struggle with low incomes, making survival difficult. Still, Panchla’s Zari work remains a living tradition, carrying forward a legacy of craftsmanship and cultural identity.