LOKTA PRODUCTS AND ITS TREND

Nepalese Handicrafts are popular throughout the world for their superior quality, splendid workmanship and artistic excellence. Handicrafts not only carry finest sensibility and artistic expression but also cultural conscience about the historical and rel

Lokta paper products are now one of the main export items of the country. It’s gaining its popularity for its simple, traditional manufacturing method and unequalled strength. The Nepali people have been manufacturing and using Lokta or Nepali Kagaz also known as rice paper since time immemorial.

 

WHAT IS LOKTA?
Lokta or handmade Nepali paper is made from the fiber of a native plant. It is renowned for its rough but attractive texture, durability, strength and resistance to insects. Lokta derives its name from one of the local plant species (Daphne Papyracea or Daphne Cannabina) from which it is made. These plants are also known as Baruwa or Kaagte Paat.

These paper sheets are used for various purposes like writing, drawing and for various other products.

IT’S POPULARITY
In the last couple of years, the evolution of the usage of traditional Lokta paper has been incredible. While in the past it was used mostly in government offices and strictly as writing paper.

These days it has found its way into modern day boardrooms and living rooms in various forms such as diaries, calendars, notebooks, lampshades, photo-albums, wall papers, gift wrappers etc.

The variety of Lokta usage has been one reason for its resounding success abroad. The export of Lokta has been steadily growing in overseas markets, where it is used for many different purposes.

Differently colored Lokta papers are even used to eliminate different room lighting with the help of designer lampshades. The strength of the Lokta paper can also be discerned from the way it is dyed. The trend of using Lokta paper is on the rise. Beyond their traditional usage, Lokta is now being used to make visiting cards, invitation cards, envelopes, decorative craft items and so on. Until today, its use as an important official document remains unchallenged.

 

The strength of the Lokta paper can also be discerned from the way it is dyed.

 

BUSINESS ASPECT OF LOKTA
The Nepalese paper and paper products are very popular in the overseas market. The business of Lokta is growing steadily. Its market overseas is bigger and brighter than within the country. Lokta products are mostly sold in handicraft shops around Kupondole, Lazimpat and Thamel.

It’s variety and color richness easily attracts buyer’s attention in the market. Printing various designs on lokta lets the buyer with more options while buying range of lokta products at reasonable price.

A larger part of the process of manufacturing the paper is carried out in the villages while the finishing and polishing takes place in city factories. Rural communities in districts like Kavre, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, Ramechhap, Myagdi, Baglung, etc. benefit from Lokta collection and manufacturing.