The coronavirus pandemic has led to high demand for face masks and personal protection equipment. Due to this, suppliers of materials and components for making face masks and PPEs are witnessing high growth.
Bihar is making reusable face masks adorned with Madhubani painting. The art forms of Bihar are appreciated all over the world because of their great aesthetic value and their adherence to tradition. Mithila painting is an age-old rural art form. It is practiced in the Mithila region of Bihar and parts of Nepal. Mithila painting, also known as Madhubani painting, is done using fingers, twigs, brushes, nib-pens, and match sticks. The sketches and various consumer goods are made with folk motifs of Mithila. Its main theme is traditional geometric patterns. Madhubani is a major export centre for this painting. Masks with Madhubani painting on it is popularising the art form of Bihar.
The demand for masks embellished with Madhubani painting is increasing in Bihar.
Sitamarhi DM Abhilasha Kumari Sharma said, “The masks are being made by migrant workers and Aanganbadi didis. This mask manufacturing has provided jobs to many migrant workers and didis who were kicked out of their jobs amidst the pandemic. These workers are earning Rs 400-500 every day”.
The mask-making process is monitored by the District Magistrate of Sitamarhi. The masks are made by Superbottoms, a reusable diaper brand, are made with 100 percent cotton, and have a pocket where one can insert a non-woven fabric as a filler.
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Meanwhile, With 63 new COVID-19 cases in Bihar, the total coronavirus cases surged to 2511, and the death toll stands at 13. At least 702 people have recovered after getting infected with the deadly disease in the state. All 38 districts are infected by the virus. Capital city Patna has been declared as coronavirus hotspot zone.
