Nestled in the peaceful heartland of Borong in Sikkim lies a small hamlet that has been safeguarding a unique craft and tradition that spans millennia. The Borong-Polok Handmade Paper Unit is more than a manufacturing unit; it is an embodiment of an age-old Indian tradition dating back to the 3rd century BC.
The paper produced in Borong is not just any paper – it has a rich heritage that is deeply rooted in Buddhism and spirituality. Its unique role in preserving and propagating Buddhist teachings over a millennium is what lends this craft its exceptional significance. The wisdom of the ancient scribes, inscribed on these resilient sheets, continues to influence the spiritual journey of countless seekers.
Established in 2003 by the Sikkim Development Foundation and powered by hardworking local households, this cooperative creates paper in harmony with the Himalayan ecology. They use the argali plant, or Edgeworthia gardneri, which is abundant along the trail stretching between the Ralong Monastery and Borong. This shrub imparts a unique charm to their paper.
What sets this paper apart is its production method. In a fascinating twist, the argali plant-derived paper in Sikkim is coated with a unique blend of mucilage from the okra plant and another plant named Chipley. This is a deviation from the norm of using muslin fabric to separate paper sheets. Instead, each sheet is pasted on a separate tray to dry, resulting in a paper with remarkable resilience, absorbency, and a captivating texture.
This unique paper finds its way to places like Singapore, Bangkok, and Thailand, and is available in various grades. Visitors to this artisanal outpost in Borong can experience this fascinating process firsthand, as the cooperative boasts a small showroom showcasing sheets of paper in their raw form or transformed into vibrantly patterned and coloured sheets.
The creativity of this cooperative extends beyond sheets, spilling over into making notebooks, envelopes, lampshades, paper figurines, and even abstract art decor from the waste pulp.
The next time you visit Sikkim, embark on a journey to Borong, embrace the tranquillity, admire the heritage, and carry back a slice of history with you—one handmade sheet at a time. From Buddhist monasteries to international art studios, this humble craft continues its journey, bearing with it tales of tradition, resilience, and spiritual wisdom.
