Women in South Punjab preserve tradition with clay storage craft

MULTAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Mar, 2026) In an age defined by rapid scientific advancement and modern storage technologies, the rural and tribal communities of Rajanpur and Dera Ghazi Khan continue to uphold a centuries old tradition, crafting and using clay storage pots, locally known as "Kalhoti", (Parrola in Punjabi language) to preserve grain and some time food after some changes in clay craft.

Despite the availability of metal containers and refrigeration in urban centers, the people of these remote areas prefer these handmade clay structures for storing wheat, rice, milk, curry, and even poultry. This practice is deeply rooted in local culture and reflects a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle.

Women (South Punjab region) play a central role in this craft. Skilled artisans like Shameem Bibi and Bashiran Bibi have mastered the art of making Kalhoti, a skill passed down through generations. Their work is not merely functional but also an expression of cultural identity and aesthetic sense.

The process begins early in the morning after completing household chores and tending livestock. Women collect soft clay from fields or ponds, carry it home in large trays, and mix it with organic matter such as animal dung. After allowing the mixture to settle for several hours, they begin shaping the clay into pots.

The preparation of a large Kalhoti, primarily used for storing grain, can take up to a month, while smaller pots for daily use—such as storing cooked food or keeping poultry—are completed within four to five days.

Once shaped, the pots are dried under the sun and later coated with a fine layer of diluted clay, giving them a smooth and polished finish.

According to local resident Qazi Sajjad Ahmed of Dajal, a single large Kalhoti can store up to 10 to 12 maunds of wheat or other grains without spoilage, even during the rainy season. A small outlet at the base allows easy access to the stored grain, which can be sealed afterward with cloth.

Interestingly, these clay pots are also designed with ventilation in mind. Smaller Kalhoti used for poultry have tiny holes and wooden supports to ensure airflow, making them safe for keeping chickens, he remarked. Similarly, cooked food stored in these clay containers remains fresh for longer periods, especially in areas where electricity is scarce and refrigerators are not commonly used.

Local communities firmly believe that, unlike metal containers, clay pots maintain the natural quality of food and prevent spoilage over extended periods. Beyond their utility, these Kalhoti add a rustic charm to homes, often seen placed in courtyards, verandas, and living spaces of both mud and brick houses.

This enduring tradition highlights the resilience and ingenuity of rural women, whose craftsmanship continues to thrive despite the pressures of modernization. The Kalhoti is not just a storage solution—it is a symbol of cultural heritage, sustainability, and the timeless bond between man and the soil.