23/10/2025
In the narrow lanes of Ram Bagan, known to many as 172, bamboo has been shaped by skilled hands for generations. Families craft baskets, furniture, and intricate designs, turning a simple resource into something beautiful and lasting. Their work is art, history, and resilience all woven together.
But this craft is seasonal. During festivals and political campaigns, the streets come alive with towering bamboo structures, replicas of figures, houses, and elaborate displays that line the roads in celebration. These are moments of pride, where artistry and tradition take center stage. But when the celebrations end, so does the work. Many artisans are left without a steady income for months on end.
And now, there’s an even bigger threat, cheap, mass-produced goods flooding the market. Factories churn out plastic imitations at a fraction of the price, undercutting the artisans who have built their lives around this craft. The result? Families struggling to make ends meet. Generations of skill fading away. A culture of craftsmanship disappearing.
This is why investing in ethical businesses matters. When we choose mass production over people, we don’t just lose quality, we lose communities, traditions, and opportunities. But when we choose to support artisans, fair wages, and sustainable businesses, we help keep these crafts, and the people behind them, alive.
At Joyya, we stand with communities like Ram Bagan, creating dignified work where it’s needed most. Your choices matter. Let’s spark good together.
