Meet The Muslim Woman Artisan Behind Durga Puja ‘Medhas’

Cuttack: The Millennium City celebrates the spirit of brotherhood in all its forms. And it comes to the fore in all its grandeur during Durga Puja when people irrespective of caste, religion and creed participate in the festivities. Saida Bibi is one such person who has carved a unique identity for herself by designing tableaux or Medha for the Goddess.

Craftsmanship

Medhas prepared by Saida using polythene are in great demand in the city. She prepares the backdrop of Durga Badi Mandap at Alam Chand Bazaar. She also makes artificial ornaments during Rath Yatra and other decorative items during other festivals and marriage ceremonies.

Starting Young

Saida belongs to Jagannath Ballava area in Cuttack. She began working on Medhas at the age of 10. “I used to watch my maternal uncle decorate Medhas. I was drawn towards it and soon started helping him,” she said.

However, she gave it up after her marriage. “My in-laws were against me doing this work,” she added.

Saida’s husband Jabhir Khan passed away about four years ago. After his death, she took up the work again to take care of her two daughters.

“There is a demand for this work throughout the year. I get orders during Rath Yatra, Durga Puja and marriages. More orders pour in during Durga Puja. People outside Cuttack also approach me for creating Medhas for them,” said Saida.

Her daughters also chip in and help her with the work, she added.

Saida can create Medhas of different shapes and her works have appreciated by the organisers.

“It is a time consuming work where minute details have to be taken care of.  The remuneration, however, is not much,” she said.

However, she wants to continue doing the work for the love of it. “My only aim is to get my daughters settled,” she added.