Chhattisgarh’s bamboo art, a show stopper at IITF

New Delhi, November 24, 2011

    Flute, flower vase, pen stand, baskets and many such products made up of bamboo are catching the eyeballs of the visitors at Chhattisgarh pavilion at the ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF). Artists busy in preparing bamboo products at the stall showcases the age-old weaving tradition in the forest-rich state.
    “I learned the art from my grandfather. My family has been into bamboo craft since generations,” says Soba Ram from Narayanpur near Raipur.
The entire process of collecting bamboo to making a finished product involves lot of intricacies. Sanitization of raw bamboos is a major challenge for the artists. The beautiful shape comes after a long process. “We bake the bamboos in fire for a while so that there should not be any insects inside. After peeling its upper layer, thin sticks are made out of it,” says Ram.
    The stall has wide range of products such as axe, broom, masks, showpieces carved on wood, and wall calendars. The range varies from Rs10 to Rs 3,000. One can also find a special kind of flute at the stall. Unlike the conventional flute, the Chhattisgarhi flute shaped into a stick produces musical sound when moved in the air in zig-zag motion.    “I was amazed to hear the melodious whistle as I sashayed the flute. This can be used as a musical instrument, which has been invented by these artisans,” said Vivek Kumar, one of the visitors at the stall.
    Bamboo craft has become an earning avenue, especially for the tribals, thanks to the international trade fair in the national capital and other such events organised across the country.    “An event like trade fair gives us the chance to interact with thousands of customers. Apart from making profit and getting bulk orders, the feedback we get from the visitors also help us to improve our skills,” said another bamboo artist Laxmi.