Golden fibre Coir Toys

Coir which is also known as Golden fibre comes from a Coconut tree. Coconut which
holds a huge religious significance in certain societies of India, where it is used in
many Hindu Rituals as a symbol of prosperity, a blessing of nature an an auspicious
object of ceremony. Apart from religious significance they are known for their great
versatility, as evidenced by many traditional uses, ranging from food , cosmetics to a
various useful item of handicraft. Its most commonly seen tropical trees in Kerala. In
fact, even the name Kerala (Kerlam in Malayalam) is derived from this tree (Kera in
Malayalam language means Coconut and Alam means Land, thus Keralam = Land
of Coconut).

The coconut palm has been eulogized as Kalpavrikshas means wish-granting trees
which fulfil the desires of people in initial stages of worldly cycle as per Jain
Cosmology. It is also known as Kalpavriksha as every part of it is useful . The
coconut water inside the nut is a delicious drink. In dried form it is called copra and is
used to manufacture oil. The coconut husk, called coir, is used to make rope. Leaves
are used to make huts, fans, mats. Palm sugar is made from budding flower. The
dried midrib is used to make boats.[13]

One of the earliest mentions of the coconut dates back to the "One Thousand and
One Nights" story of Sinbad the Sailor. He is known to have bought and sold coconut
during his fifth voyage. Its Malayalam and Tamil name Thenga, was used in the
detailed description of coconut found in Itinerario by Ludovico di
Varthema published in 1510 .

Prensently, India is the largest coir producer in the world accounting for more than
80 per cent of the total world production of coir fibre. Coir or coconut fibre which
extracted from the husk of coconut create 100% natural Coir products. The dying
tradition of Coir has been used artistically to make Home Decoratives like wall
hangings, key rings, Christmas hangings, pen stands ,floor mats, doormats, brushes
mattresses, and to make a wide range of eco-friendly toys. In Coir toys you can see
Woven magnificence of coir products. This is a unique craft as it is produced only in
Orissa and not in any other coconut rich states of India.
Parida Family which situates in small town of Chandhanpur, Puri in Orissa. About 50
years back Rama Parida an ordinary housewife took a initiative to promote this
artwork of coir toys and started her own organisation named as Subhadra Nari Coir
Unit . This organisation has won several Awards for their creative handicrafts. But,
their achievement doesnt end here. Women Empowered Initiative started by Parida
Family . Currently employ about 50 girls and handicap women from their village and
nearby villages, with the help of District Industry Centre and they run a skill
development centre for making coir toys in Chandpur Village, District Jalakadar,
Orissa. This centre helps them to learn skills by adroit professionals and bring forth
an extensive range of Coir Toys.

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