A gigantic teakwood (Sagwan) ox, standing 7.5 feet tall, stretching eight feet in length and weighing around 160 kg, has become the centre of attraction in Lakadganj, old Bhandara road, ahead of Pola, with its sheer size and remarkable craftsmanship leaving visitors amazed. The imposing sculpture, currently on display in the market, has been handcrafted by Ravindra Mukaddam of Ashti in Wardha district and has a set price tag of Rs 8 lakh. Made entirely by hand from Sagwan (teak) wood, the massive ox depicts the ‘Gaolao’ cattle breed, an indigenous breed associated with Wardha and the Vidarbha region.

 

Mukaddam said the sculpture took nearly six months of painstaking work to complete. The giant ox has been polished using traditional teakwood polish, preserving the rich natural appearance of the wood. Only its horns have been painted black, lending a striking contrast to the otherwise natural teakwood finish. Visitors at the Lakadganj Timber Market have been stopping to take a closer look at the extraordinary creation, with many expressing amazement at how such a large and detailed sculpture could be created entirely by hand. Interestingly, the sculpture is not entirely solid. A hollow space has been created inside the massive wooden body, allowing it to be used for storage. Mukaddam said the unique structure could also allow it to be used as a ‘daan patra’, or donation box, at a temple.

 

The response from the public has been warm, and several people have already expressed interest in purchasing the giant wooden ox. However, Mukaddam said no sale has been finalised yet. As the city prepares for Pola, the festival celebrating the contribution of oxen to agriculture, the towering 160-kg teakwood Gaolao ox has brought together Vidarbha's indigenous cattle heritage, traditional craftsmanship and the cultural spirit of the festival -- quite literally stopping people in their tracks at Nagpur's bustling timber market.