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Bastar: President Draupadi Murmu today visited a grand exhibition organized on the occasion of the inauguration ceremony of Bastar Pandum. This exhibition was bringing alive the rich and ancient tribal traditions, art and culture of Bastar. The President visited various stalls and interacted directly with local artisans and residents and understood the intricacies of the arts and products displayed by them.

President Murmu described this event as a powerful medium to preserve tribal heritage and take it to the global stage. He showed keen interest in each artefact displayed in the exhibition and praised the skills of the artisans.

Talking artefacts of metal, clay and wood

A major attraction of the exhibition was Dhokra handicraft art, which is considered to be the ancient tribal metal art of India. The President was informed that this art is based on the ‘Lost Wax Casting’ technique, in which wax, brass and Samadi clay are used to create unique creations depicting nature, gods and goddesses and rural life. Each piece is completely handmade.

Along with this, the clay figures depicting the local terracotta art also attracted attention, which were giving a living form to the folk faith and traditional beliefs. At the same time, vibrant expression of cultural and religious traditions was seen through fine carvings done on teak, beeja and sal wood. The artefacts made of wrought iron also particularly attracted the President.

Jewellery, costumes and traditional taste

The President spent special time at the stall displaying tribal jewellery. Here on display were traditional hand-made jewelery made from silver, pearls, shells and various metals, which are symbols of the identity and cultural heritage of the tribal communities.

At another stall, young men and women from the major tribes of Bastar – Dandami Madhiya, Abujhmadia, Muria, Bhatra and Halba – displayed their traditional costumes and jewellery. Apart from this, traditional musical instruments and decorative items made of dried gourd under Tumba art also remained the center of attraction.

Local cuisine of Bastar was also given prominent place in the exhibition. It showcased traditional dishes like Jondhari Lai laddu, Mandiya Page, Aamt, Chapra Chutney, Kulthi Dal and Tikhur as well as beverages like Landa and Sulfi, details of which were taken by the President with great interest. Folk paintings and literature to the culture, history and folk life of Bastar were also included in the exhibition.