Moonj Grass Coil Craft Uttar Pradesh

Moonj (Saccharum munja) is a tall, tough grass that grows along the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Prayagraj and Lucknow districts, and is used to make coiled baskets, floor mats, ropes, and decorative items. Artisans split the grass stems and coil them around a core, stitching with coloured threads in geometric patterns to produce sturdy round baskets, flat mats, and wall art panels. Moonj craft is associated with women artisans of the agricultural communities in eastern UP. The craft employs thousands of SHG women in piecework production of export baskets. TRIFED and UP Khadi Board promote moonj products as eco-craft exports. Natural moonj baskets are exported to Europe and the USA as plastic-free storage solutions.