The village and cottage craft play a pivotal role in the social and economic life of our country. These not only fulfill needs of our daily life but also act as mode of self expression and a source of income generation. Pottery, embroidery and handloom weaving are some of the famous crafts of Haryana. Punja durries are familiar objects in almost every household in the villages of Haryana and is mainly practiced as a leisure time activity by women. Durries are traditionally made for two purposes, one for bed in place of mattress or below a thin mattress and other for floor covering. Once, durrie making was highly preferred activity for income generation among rural women. But due to tough competition from powerloom industry and change consumer preferences this age old craft is at the verge of diminishing. A study was conducted in Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa districts of Haryna state to study the status of punja durrie craft. It was found that the craft was being practiced by women and majority 80%) of them adopted durrie weaving as subsidiary occupation to support their family income. Besides durrie they also prepared foot mat, prayer mat, stool mat and bags. Mainly floral/foliage, geometrical, animals and birds motifs were used. Most of the products were sold in the village itself with a profit of 10-20 percent. The respondents discontinued the craft mainly due lack of demand (100%), the younger generation is not interested in adopting this craft (100%), less profit and time consuming craft ( each).
