Paags put on sale at a shop in Darbhanga. Picture by Pramod Gupta

Darbhanga, Dec. 5: Preparation of paag, a symbol of honour like the Turkish cap among the people of Mithilanchal, has taken the shape of a cottage industry in rural areas and markets of this region.

Paag and chadar are symbols for honouring guests. During marriages in Maithil Brahmin families, the baratis (bridegroom’s family and relatives) is being honoured by the bride’s family with paag when they reach their doorstep. It is a symbol of Maithil identity and both parties use it to mark honour and to receive honour. In spite of the onslaught of western mannerisms, this tradition has been kept alive in Mithilanchal.

Prof Ganga Prasad Jha said: “Paag has a historical importance. In Ramayan, Raja Janak is said to have honoured Raja Dashrath, Ram and other baratis with paag and chadar in Janakpur. This indicates that the tradition in Mithila dates back before the period of Ramayan, added Jha. He said earlier, it was called satha paag, which used to be dyed in various colours on silk and very costly.

Amalendu Pathak said during that time, Sanskrit pandits used to decide on the colours of paag according to the necessity of the function. Now, that rare paag is not available in the markets. However, Kashi Patwa, a dealer in paags, said that silk paags with Mithila paintings cost almost Rs 1,000. Deepak Khandelwal, another shop owner said that the cost of simple cotton paag varies between Rs 25 and 85 and silk paag between Rs 150 and 300.

Whenever a big politician or an academician or a poet or any other honourable guest is coming in Mithila, they are honoured with paag and chadar by the host. The then Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Rajeev Gandhi were honoured in public meetings with paag and chadar at the Raj field.

The demand for paag comes from different parts of the country and abroad as Maithils live scattered around the world. During rituals, the suppliers are swamped with bulk orders for the paag placed on the internet. A local trader, Pawan Roy, said businessmen from metropolitan cities buy paag in wholesale to meet the heavy demand. He said that he buys paags from Kachhuwa village near Jhanjharpur. In Mithila, sellers buy paags through a middleman, who manages it from rural areas. It has now transformed into a high-tech business.

Paag is used in marriage, upanayan (thread ceremony), yagna, puja and other ritual and cultural functions.