IN a moment of immense pride for Chhattisgarh’s tribal art and cultural heritage, 38 artisans from Kondagaon have received a special invitation from Rashtrapati Bhavan to meet and interact with President Droupadi Murmu on November 16. Their traditional bell metal and iron craftsmanship, which found a place in the special invitation boxes prepared for the Independence Day celebrations at Rashtrapati Bhavan, has brought national recognition to the district’s generations-old artistic legacy. The group of artisans will leave for Delhi on November 13 for the prestigious interaction, which will provide them an opportunity to showcase their traditional skills and share their experiences with the President. The recognition follows the selection of distinctive handicrafts from different States for the preparation and decoration of special invitation boxes for the

 

‘At Home’ reception hosted at Rashtrapati Bhavan on August 15, this year. Representing Chhattisgarh, 38 traditional bell metal craft pieces from Kondagaon, popularly known as the Craft City, along with traditional iron craft artefacts from Kidai Chepda village of Bastar, were selected for the prestigious assignment. Traditional handicrafts from Maharashtra, Goa and other States were also included in the initiative. The task of creating the selected artefacts was entrusted to local artisans, who demonstrated their inherited skills, intricate craftsmanship and traditional techniques to complete the assignment. Their creations were prominently featured in the invitation boxes sent to distinguished guests for the Independence Day reception, bringing the indigenous art forms of Bastar to a distinguished national platform. According to a communication issued by the Invitation Section of the President’s Secretariat on October 14, this year, President Droupadi Murmu will meet and interact with the artisans from Chhattisgarh at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Monday, November 16, at 11.30 am.

 

The interaction will focus on their artistic creations and experiences in preparing the handicrafts selected for the special Independence Day invitation boxes. The President’s Secretariat has directed Chhattisgarh Resident Commissioner Shruti Singh to make necessary arrangements for the artisans' travel, accommodation, meals and local transportation in Delhi. Coordination has also been sought with Dr Ashok Mandal, Director of the National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad. The district administration is making arrangements for the artisans’ visit. Ramadhan Khunte, Assistant Manager of the Handicraft Development Board, is coordinating the related preparations. Notably, Kondagaon's bell metal craft is widely recognised for its distinctive casting techniques, intricate designs and artistic excellence. Similarly, the traditional iron craft of Kidai Chepda reflects the rich tribal heritage, cultural traditions and lifestyle of Bastar. The selection of these creations for the President’s