Sikki Craft of Bihar: Weaving Stories in Golden Grass
In the floodplains of northern Bihar, where nature and tradition intertwine, a humble golden grass is quietly shaped into art. Sikki craft—an age-old practice handed down through generations—breathes beauty, purpose, and cultural legacy into every strand.
Rooted in the everyday lives of women artisans, sikki is more than a craft. It is storytelling in its most tactile form.
What Is Sikki?
Sikki is a special type of golden grass that grows naturally in Bihar and parts of Nepal. Valued for its soft texture and natural luster, it has been used for centuries to create handmade objects—from household baskets and containers to decorative items and ceremonial figures.
Traditionally, sikki work was done by women for their homes or as part of a bride’s trousseau. Today, it has evolved into a celebrated art form that empowers rural communities and connects modern buyers to India’s rich craft heritage.
The Process: From Grass to Glory
1. Harvesting the Grass
The sikki grass is harvested during the monsoon, when it is tall and healthy. Only the top flowering part of the grass is used—the section that has the signature golden sheen. The rest is discarded or used for other purposes.
2. Initial Boiling
Once harvested, the grass is first boiled to remove natural resins and make it pliable. This step also helps enhance the strength and longevity of the strands.
3. First Drying
The boiled grass is sun-dried thoroughly. This ensures all moisture is removed and the strands are preserved naturally without chemicals.
4. Second Boiling (Pre-Dyeing)
Before dyeing, the dried grass is boiled again. This second boiling opens the fibers and allows the dye to absorb more evenly.
5. Dyeing the Grass
While the natural golden hue of sikki remains most iconic, modern artisans often dye the grass using organic or synthetic dyes to create bold colors—deep pinks, greens, blues, and reds. The grass is soaked in a hot dye bath until the color sets.
6. Final Drying
The dyed grass is laid out to dry in the sun once again. Only after this final drying is the grass ready to be woven into craft.
Weaving With a Takua
Sikki objects are crafted using a simple, hand-held needle-like tool called a takua. A stronger grass known as munj is used as the structural base. The dyed sikki is then coiled tightly around the munj and stitched using the takua—no glues, no machines, just pure handwork.
The precision and patience involved in this process are extraordinary. Each box, toy, or wall hanging is made completely by hand, often over several days.
A Craft Led by Women
Sikki is a craft of women, by women. It has traditionally been passed from mother to daughter, forming a quiet lineage of creativity and self-reliance. Today, it is also a source of livelihood for rural artisans across Bihar.
Through government and NGO support, many of these artisans now sell their work at exhibitions and to global markets. The result is not just the revival of a dying craft, but the empowerment of entire communities.
Tradition Meets Modern Living
In recent years, sikki has found its way into modern homes. Whether as minimalist décor, jewelry, or utility items, its appeal lies in its timeless elegance and natural texture.
Collaborations between designers and artisans have brought new relevance to the craft—ensuring that these traditions are not only preserved, but also celebrated in contemporary life.
The Beauty of the Handmade
At The Parijat Tree, we believe that every handmade piece carries a story. Sikki craft is no exception—it tells a tale of water and sun, of hands and heritage, of quiet dignity shaped into golden strands.
To bring sikki into your home is to honor this journey—a celebration of the past, alive in the present.
Every craft has a story. Every story a soul.