DELIGHTING THE SENSIBILITIES
The craft circuit of Bastar
Highlights: Handicrafts of the region |Tribal hubs | Local food
No. of Days: 7
Overview: Along with a life-altering tryst with ancient tribal culture and stunning natural beauty, Chhattisgarh also offers a large cache of handicrafts. Those who interested in this trail should keep the weekly haats in mind when planning a trip. What better place to witness the exquisite work of the artisans? Bastar exposes you to the creative world of tribal-centric crafts like bell metal work called dhokra and use of wrought iron, terracotta, sisal, cowrie shells, stones and paintings and tattooing as an imprint for identification. There are different pockets within Bastar that are great to see these at close quarters. The trip is focused around craft hubs like Kondagaon and home to Saathi Samaj Sevi Sanstha. This is an NGO Saathi that was started in 1988 to help revive and develop the traditional art and craft of Bastar. Most of the work happens in clusters of homes. Do not expect entire villages to be involved with wood, bamboo products, bell metal, wrought iron terracotta and textile.
As you move south into the heart of Bastar, there are different villages one can peek into. Woodwork at Golawand and Narayanpur,
Bamboo at Narayanpur, Churegaon, Jugani, Karanpur and bell metal at Kondagaon, Karanpur, Dahikonga and Barkai. Other crafts like wrought iron work and textiles are converged in the south in Nagarnar, Kumaragaon, Bunagaon and Jamkot villages. Traditional pottery and silk weaves are another highlight of the region.
What to Expect: Away from the air-conditioned confines of a showroom, you are able to see magic come to live in these crafts at the homes of the artisans. There is no greater thrill than seeing handicraft at close quarters, knowing what all goes behind it. The unassuming villages, pleasantly unaware of the treasures that they hold, promise an enriching tryst with craft. A visit to Shilpagram is essential. This is a residential craft village near Jagdalpur, where one can see different artisans are work on wood, wrought iron, sisal, terra cotta, tumbas (gourd) and bell metal. These artisans have been located here to facilitate close interaction with visitors.
