Jute Bag - Santa Cruz, Goa
A bag is a kind of soft container which is used to hold or carry things. Different types of materials such as cloth, leather, jute, plastic, or paper, etc., are used for making bags. Some bags can use for a long time and some are disposable. The size and shape of the bag differ according to its usage. Both men and women have used it. It is known by various names like handbag, purse or pocketbook, luggage bag, trolley bag, etc. In the 14th-century, handbags evolved into wedding gifts from groom to bride. In the 17th century, embroidery was a necessary skill for marriage for young girls. This helped them to make very beautiful handbags. Nowadays, bags are universally used for many purposes like shopping, traveling and to carry home groceries. Bags not only differs country-wise but also within the regions where they are created. These days considering a view of environmental concern, plastic bags, trash bags are banned. Hence use of eco-friendly bags increased. These bags are made from natural disposable materials like jute, banana fiber, coconut fiber, cotton cloth, etc.
Jute is one of the most important natural fibers after cotton, in terms of cultivation and usage. Ganges delta is a region where jute is grown widely. A biodegradable crop is cultivated in major parts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. This crop requires huge rainfalls. Jute has been used since ancient times in India. It gained necessity during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Ropes, aprons, carpets, sacks, roofing felts, and bags were made by using jute. Jute is recognized for its strength, low cost, durability, and versatility. Earlier it was used only for making sacks, but now it is utilized in many ways. Jute yarns are woven into fine fabrics. The usage of clothes made of jute by poor villagers is mentioned in several historical documents. Jute fibers are used for making carpets, doormats, chair coverings, and curtains. A few years back, synthetic materials captured the market, and jute began to lose its popularity. Gradually, people realize the negative impact of using synthetic materials on the environment, and once again, jute becomes an important thing. A jute bag is good in all aspects. It is biodegradable, and no trees were cut off for jute bags like paper bags. Jute bags are strong as compared to polythene and paper bags. Jute craft is a good source of income for many artists.
Mrs. Deepa is from Santa Cruz village that is making jute bags. She learned this art from the training sessions and workshops organized by the Goa State Government to empower women artists. Santa Cruz is a beautiful village that has situated in North Goa in the Tiswadi Taluka. As it is made up of 11 wards, it is considered to be the largest village in Goa. Merces, Bambolim, and Taleigao are its neighboring villages. People from different religions and different parts of India stay here. Earlier, this place was known as Calapur and is known to have got its name from a rich merchant known as Kalapa Kelima, appointed by King Shasta Deva II. Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its beaches, places of worship, and world heritage architecture.
