Sholapith Wedding Decor: Sustainable Elegance Rooted in Indian Craftsmanship
- Abhishek S Murthy
- Aug 2
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 10
At Haldi Kumkum, we are constantly reimagining Indian wedding decor through a craft-rooted and sustainable lens. One of our most beloved materials is Sholapith — an ecological, biodegradable natural fiber that allows us to create breathtaking, meaningful installations that are as light as they are intricate.
What is Sholapith?
Also known as Shola, Sholapith is a milky-white, spongey plant matter derived from the core of the Aeschynomene aspera plant, commonly found in the wetlands of West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of Assam and Bangladesh. Traditionally used in Bengali wedding headgear (the topor) and Durga Puja idols, this lightweight material is revered for its malleability, eco-friendliness, and textural beauty.
How is Sholapith Made?
The stalks of the Shola plant are harvested, peeled, and sliced into sheets, then hand-carved by skilled artisans into delicate patterns and structures. Unlike thermocol or plastic, Sholapith is completely biodegradable and grown in water-logged, rain-fed areas without the need for fertilizers or pesticides—making it a low-impact, sustainable craft material.
Why We Love Sholapith at Haldi Kumkum
At Haldi Kumkum, we see Sholapith not just as a decorative element, but as a medium of storytelling, symbolism, and sustainability.
Recently, we crafted an entire wedding backdrop using Sholapith, inspired by the couple’s ancestral family temple. We recreated its sacred geometry and ornamental motifs using finely carved shola panels. For the same wedding, we built a stunning Tree of Life installation, layered with symbolic florals, fruits, and cosmic forms — all in pristine white Sholapith, evoking purity and timelessness.
We went further to blend regional craft with cultural storytelling:
Garlands made from sundaka (Turkey berry, also known as pine water), a nod to Tamil traditions.
Gamcha-inspired Sholapith flowers, merging textile aesthetics with natural fiber art.
Mandaps, entrances, and pathways framed with Sholapith carvings, enhanced with fresh banana plants, tropical greens, and vibrant marigolds.
Bouquets and centerpieces that paired the softness of shola with the vibrancy of indigenous flowers and heirloom brass.
The Haldi Kumkum Touch
Our approach blends craft revival with contemporary wedding design. Whether it's a South Indian Muhurtam, a Bengali-style wedding, or a completely modern ceremony, we use Sholapith to sculpt backdrops, mandaps, arches, and centerpieces that feel both grounded and ethereal.
Every Sholapith decor piece we make is handcrafted, compostable, and rooted in the land it comes from. It’s not just decor—it’s a conscious aesthetic.
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Based in Bengaluru | Serving across India
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