Barisal: A two-day traditional clay art festival ended here on Saturday with a call for preservation of traditional arts and crafts.

The festival was inaugurated by eminent artist Rafiqun Nabi began at Aswini Kumar Town Hall in the city on Friday. Mritshilpi Sammilon O Sammanana Uddyog organised the festival.

In the closing ceremony, 25 clay artisans and potters were given a reception for their professional achievements and more than 150 idol maker artisans, potters and their assistants were given cash and cloths.

Besides, Bishweshwar Paul of Bauphal upazila under Patuakhali district was given special award for his life-time achievements at the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Bishweshwar Paul said the clay artisans in the country are facing troubles during production, transportation and marketing of their products.

‘If the government doesn’t come forward to help us, then clay artisan community would be extinct due to competition with products made by plastics and enamels,’ said Bisweswar.

Presided over by district Puja Udjapon Parishad president Rakhal Chandra Dey, the closing ceremony was attended, among others, by Neasr Hossain, dean of Fine Arts faculty of Dhaka University, Prof. M. Ziaul Haque, chairman of Barisal Education board, cultural activists and community leaders.

A painting competition, exhibition and selling of pottery items, exhibition of Nakshikantha, painting, books and photos related to pottery featured the first day of the festival.  

More than 200 clay artists and their associates from different areas of Kalaskati, Bakerganj, Barisal, Shariatpur, Faridpur and Rajshahi participated in the festival.