Tharu Women Peeling and Weaving Moonj for Basket Making

24-Mar-2026

This image shows two women from the Tharu tribe of Harnaa Tand village in West Champaran district, Bihar, working at different stages of moonj handicraft production. One woman is carefully peeling the moonj grass because once dried, the grass becomes round and stiff, making weaving difficult. The peeling process makes the fibers thinner and more flexible, allowing them to be woven easily. The second woman is using a pointed tool known as “Suja” to weave these prepared fibers around a circular base, gradually shaping them into a basket or tray. The scene illustrates the important stages of peeling and weaving that together help create strong and durable moonj handicraft products.