Art of making Theki dying

By Radhakrishna Dumre , Waling, Nov. 22: The Theki was once a highly prized implement to churn butter and make healthy and tasty curd. But, because of the availability of modern tools, it seems to have fallen out of favour, so much so that the occupation of making Thekis is now threatened.

Gaj Bahadur BK, 77, Tek Bahadur BK, 69, Madhu Bahadur BK, 67, Bhadra Bahadur BK, 68, and other veteran wood craftsmen of Khanidanda, Waling Municipality–13, still make Thekis but they say that they do not have anyone to pass on their skills to.

According to Madhu, the months of September and October are the “season” for Thekis. “We spend two months a year making Thekis and sell them at a rate of Rs. 300 per Mana.” He informed that a 20-Mana (approximately 10.9 litres) Theki fetched around Rs. 6,000 in the market.

Madhu also informed Thekis made from the wood of the jackfruit and Darigitha plants were of the best quality. He also said that, so far, his products were finding proper markets.

Gaj Bahadur assumed that the lack of youth interest could be because of antiquated methods. “There is no new technology available to assist in the making of wooden Thekis. We have to follow the same steps our forefathers did,” he said.

He also expressed worry about the occupation’s future, “We have become old. The youngsters have not taken over. So, I do not know how long this craft will last.”