Munni Begum/Guwahati

Festivals have long been associated with gifting, but the idea of what makes a meaningful gift is evolving. Increasingly, people are choosing handmade creations with a personal touch over conventional presents. With Bohag Bihu around the corner, demand for designs rooted in Assamese tradition is on the rise.

Tapping into this growing preference, Musfika Hussain, a resident of Machkhowa in Guwahati, has transformed her creativity into an opportunity. She has earned appreciation for her intricate ribbon embroidery featuring the foxtail orchid—locally known as kopou phool—a flower deeply associated with Rongali Bihu.

This iconic symbol of Assamese culture lends her products both aesthetic appeal and cultural significance, making them especially sought-after as festive gifts.

Ribbon embroidered table mats by Musfika

A retired teacher, Musfika cultivated her passion for embroidery as a hobby during her working years. What began as a stress-relieving activity after fulfilling her professional and household responsibilities has now developed into a steady source of income. She taught herself ribbon embroidery and ceramic craft through online tutorials, and continues to explore these art forms with enthusiasm.

Speaking to Awaz – The Voice, Musfika said, “I have loved handicrafts since childhood. While teaching, I would spend my free time doing small embroidery projects. My interest deepened after I saw ribbon embroidery at an exhibition, and I began practising it on my own. This Bihu, I created pieces featuring foxtail orchid designs, and they have received an overwhelming response.”

Though similar to traditional embroidery, ribbon embroidery stands apart for its three-dimensional effect, making it more intricate and time-intensive. It requires not just technique but also originality and innovation. Musfika emphasises that while she learned the basics from YouTube, her designs are entirely her own.

“I never replicate designs,” she said. “I only learn techniques online and then create something new using my own ideas. I focus on quality materials and aim for perfection so that my customers are satisfied. I also try to align my designs with different occasions—this is why I chose the foxtail orchid theme for Bihu. I am now exploring ways to incorporate ribbon embroidery into mekhela sador as well.”

Her range of products includes table runners, tablecloths, bags, cushion covers, sofa covers, dining mats and photo frames, often inspired by natural motifs such as flowers, plants and birds. In addition, she has trained in making decorative candles and is expanding her work in that area.

Tea Cosy set by Musfika

Recently, Musfika showcased her creations at the Bohagi Mela held at Maligaon Shanti Sabha Bhawan, where her work received an encouraging response. Despite growing interest, she notes that the market for handmade products in Assam remains limited, largely due to pricing concerns.

“Handmade items require significant time and effort, which reflects in their cost,” she explained. “Not everyone is willing to pay that price, so only a niche group of customers tends to buy them.”

Currently, Musfika markets her products through exhibitions, personal networks and social media platforms, including her Facebook page Musfika’s Ribbon Art and Instagram handle musfika hussain05. Her creations are also available at a store named Creative Hand in Silpukhuri.

Her pricing ranges from ₹350 for mobile bags to ₹1600 for dining mats and sofa covers, with tablecloths priced between ₹800 and ₹900, and cushion covers between ₹400 and ₹450.

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Blending tradition with craftsmanship, Musfika Hussain’s work reflects not just artistic skill but also the enduring charm of handmade creations in a rapidly changing world.