PESHAWAR: Tucked away in the quiet village of Jandai, just outside the historic city of Mardan on the road to Malakand, lies a quaint center of cultural heritage.
Over decades, this stretch of road has been transformed into a bustling marketplace, a place where leaves are woven into art.
Jandai Bazaar is not just a collection of shops; it is an exhibition of Mazri palm craftsmanship, an old tradition that continues to captivate locals and travelers alike.
Cultural treasure
The craft of working with Mazri palm is a practice that predates modern record-keeping, embedded deep within the ancestral knowledge of communities across the foothills of Pakistan.
While often associated with the rural livelihoods of the region, it is not the domain of any single tribe.
Instead, it is an ethnic and cultural treasure shared across diverse communities and tribes, from the rugged mountains to the arid plains.
The significance of this craft is perhaps best understood by those who have lived it.
Alam Gul, a seasoned artisan and long-time fixture in the bazaar, notes the deep history behind these shops.
"I have been selling these things for about 35 years," he explains, highlighting how central the trade has become to the identity of the village.
The diversity of the stock is immense. As Gul describes, "In our shop, we have everything—mats, baskets, and wares. We have jugs, buckets, and everything else."
Labor of love
For these artisans, the process is a labor of love, passed down through generations.
The raw material is sourced from the forests in the mountainous areas, as Gul details: "These are made of palm leaves, and they are made in the mountainous areas where the forest is located."
Almost all of the products are made inside homes by women and girls.
Alam Gul acknowledges that it is backbreaking work.
“It’s hard, demanding work. The women who make these start early in the morning, all while balancing child care. They have plenty of housework to handle as well,” says Gul.
These artisans have spent centuries perfecting the art of turning wild dried palm leaves into items for daily life - beautiful baskets, ornate mats, traditional hats, decorative vases and hand fans that provide relief in the heat.
Souvenirs, household items
What began as a few small, unassuming shops has blossomed into a colorful thoroughfare lined with artisanal stalls on both sides of the road.
It has become a mandatory stop for travelers navigating the Mardan-Malakand highway, offering a unique opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs or practical household items.
Even international travelers passing through the region are drawn to the aesthetic beauty and durability of the Mazri products, frequently pausing their journeys to appreciate the intricate handiwork.
“People travel from far and wide to visit. We get tourists from America, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and many other places”, adds Alam Gul.
The dedication required to create these items is substantial, as the artisans balance their craft with the rhythm of daily life.
Today, Jandai Bazaar stands as a proud monument to this heritage and these resilient people, inviting everyone to pause, admire and carry a piece of this ancient, hand-woven culture home.
