The nostalgic charm of the traditional clay piggy bank is making a remarkable comeback in Uttar Pradesh. Once a treasured part of every childhood and a symbol of savings passed down through generations, the humble “gullak” is now being revived in a modern avatar in the historic town of Bithoor near Kanpur.
Inspired by Yogi Adityanath, a major initiative has been launched to revive the fading pottery traditions of Bithoor while creating new economic opportunities for local artisans. The campaign is being jointly led by the Kanpur District Administration and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, blending traditional craftsmanship with innovation and contemporary design.
For decades, clay piggy banks were an inseparable part of Indian households. Children would eagerly drop coins into these earthen banks, learning the importance of patience, discipline, and savings. However, with the rise of digital payments and plastic alternatives, the traditional pottery craft slowly began disappearing.
Now, Bithoor’s skilled potters are reinventing the classic gullak with colorful designs, creative shapes, premium finishing, and attractive packaging aimed at modern consumers. The revamped piggy banks are designed to appeal to both children and adults, combining nostalgia with contemporary aesthetics.
The collaboration with IIT Kanpur is helping artisans improve product quality, introduce innovative designs, and develop better marketing strategies. Experts are also assisting potters with modern techniques that retain the authenticity of handmade clay products while making them more durable and visually appealing.
The "Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra Project" at IIT Kanpur is in charge of bringing Bithoor's potters up to date with the needs of the contemporary market. The main goal of this project, according to project coordinators Rita Singh and Shikha Tiwari, is to create a solid emotional connection between traditional art and the younger generation. Free training in contemporary design, safe packaging, and improved marketing is being given to craftspeople in order to accomplish this.
The District Magistrate has made another important announcement in an effort to spread awareness of this clay art. These lovely and appealing piggy banks built from Bithoor soil will henceforth be given as gifts and keepsakes to chief guests at all government events in and around Kanpur, rather than bouquets or plastic mementos. This government project is expected to be a significant step in promoting the scent of Bithoor's soil both domestically and abroad.
