Pith/Netti/Sholapith is a form of reed found in the wetlands of Assam, West Bengal, Andra Pradesh and Tamilnadu. The core of the reed appears out in white shade when the stalks are shaved or cleaned. The artists works to his liking as the core is very soft, light and easily takes the desired shape. Artisans have done very beautiful jobs in the mosques, churches, temples and on images of Durga.In West Bengal the craftspersons involve in this work are known as Malakars. In West Bengal the artist use a special kind of knife called Kath to shave the stalk. Shaving is done very carefully without damaging the stalk as the main motive is to expose the white core.

Crafts persons take lot of time in designing their product and nothing is wasted from the pith as each extraction is used for some or the other. Flowers, animals, birds and many other motifs are designed from it. The correct time to witness this fine is during the Durga puja celebrations when the artists work in the full swing. Traditionally the artists have made garlands, crowns and head dress worn during the naming ceremony of the boys.