Tikuli artist Ashok Kumar Biswas works on one of his creations. Picture by Jai Prakash

Patna, Feb. 20: Tikuli artist Ashok Kumar Biswas would add one more feather to his cap. He has been selected to participate in the Bihar Divas celebrations to be held in Delhi and Jaipur.

In the national capital, the celebrations would be held between March 22 and March 28. The programme in Jaipur was supposed to be held between February 25 and 27, but it has been postponed till April.

Biswas, who has state- and national-level awards under his belt, is excited to have bagged the opportunity.

Sharing his exhilaration with The Telegraph, Biswas said: “Getting an opportunity to participate in Bihar’s centenary year celebrations matters a lot to me. I am looking forward to it. I am happy that the state government has understood the importance of the traditional Tikuli art form, which is dying in Bihar. Showcasing the products on such a big platform would revive the art. Showcasing Tikuli products will not only help people to get familiarised with such stuff, but will also help those associated with it to sell their merchandise.”

He added: “Gold or silver foils were earlier used on glass base to make bindis, which the women adorned on their forehead. Today, the artists related to Tikuli art have brought in some changes in their creations to meet the demand. Thus, wood and enamel paints are used frequently to make products. Designs are carved on wooden pieces with the help of enamel paints. Wall hangings, table coasters, pen stands among others, are being made with the help of Tikuli.”

Explaining the process, Biswas said: “First, we have to carve out the wood in the desired shape. Then, four to five coats of enamel paint are put on the wooden piece. After every coat, the piece has to be rubbed by sandpaper. After the final coat, the design has to be made with the help of the paint. Nowadays, we use motifs of Madhubani painting to enhance the look of Tikuli products.”

Biswas added that he has high expectations from his upcoming tours. “I sold products worth Rs 60,000 in four days in last year’s Bihar Divas celebrations in Delhi. At Gandhi Maidan in Patna, I sold products worth Rs 75,000. This time, too, I am hoping to do a good business in Jaipur and Delhi,” he said.