THE traditional iron craft of Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region has found a place in the special invitation card for the ‘At Home’ ceremony being sent by the Rashtrapati Bhavan to eminent guests from India and abroad on the occasion of Independence Day. A video of the invitation card circulating on social media reportedly shows the house of Kondagaon-based national award-winning iron craftsman Tijuram Vishwakarma, along with the iron craft artworks created on the exterior walls of his home. The development has brought considerable excitement to the artisan’s family. This year’s invitation by the Rashtrapati Bhavan is said to showcase India’s diverse cultural heritage and tribal handicrafts. The handmade metal bell and decorative artwork included with the invitation are reportedly inspired by Bastar’s traditional iron craft. The centuries-old art form has earned recognition in India and abroad for its distinctive techniques and attractive designs.

 

Kondagaon district has long been a major centre for traditional crafts such as iron craft, Dhokra art, terracotta and wood carving. Several artisans from the region have received national and statelevel awards. The inclusion of Bastar’s craft tradition in the President’s invitation has therefore generated a sense of pride among local artists. National award-winning iron craftsman Tijuram Vishwakarma said that his house and the iron artworks on its walls could be clearly seen in the video circulating on social media. “A team from Delhi had visited my home some time ago and taken several photographs, although they did not tell me anything about it. I am extremely happy. I have not received any official information in this regard, but the video clearly shows pictures of my house. The entire family feels very happy and proud after seeing it,” he said. The development is being viewed as a major achievement not only for Kondagaon but also for the rich craft traditions of Bastar and Chhattisgarh. Experts believe that such initiatives could help Bastar’s traditional handicrafts gain global recognition while creating new markets and employment opportunities for local artisans.