Introduction: Bhandara district is a gem in the diverse cultural heritage of India, which holds a distinct identity due to its natural beauty, historical traditions and traditional artisans. Even when many traditional arts are slowly disappearing amidst the fast pace of modernity, the artisans of Bhandara are Craftsmanship keeping these arts alive with the hard work of their hands. These craftsmen not only create beautiful things through clay, wood, cloth, metal and bamboo, but also keep alive the culture that has been connecting us for generations.
In this article, we will go on a journey of such traditional craftsmen of Bhandara, who still remain the identity of the district through their art. Let us know how these artists have become the protectors of our cultural heritage.
Bhandara’s cultural landscape and importance of craftsmanship
Bhandara district is located in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, which is also called the “district of ponds”. The land here is not only fertile but is also very rich from the cultural point of view. Folk art, handicrafts, traditional musical instruments, folk songs and folk dances make it a cultural hub.
The traditional craftsmen of Bhandara have been making useful items in daily life like textiles, idols, decorative items, traditional agricultural tools, bamboo baskets and earthen pots used on social and religious occasions for years.
Major traditional crafts and their custodians
Clay and clay art
Even today, the potter community in the rural areas of Bhandara actively prepares earthen pots, diyas, pitchers, jugs, idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi. The demand for these increases manifold during festivals and wedding occasions.
Major villages: Sakoli, Mohadi, and Tumsar
Popular artisan: Mr. Bhalchandra Kumhar – who has been carrying on this tradition for 3 generations.
According to him “These are not just utensils, they are our sanskaar. Our culture revolves in the spinning plate of every wheel.”
Bamboo and weaving art
Baskets made of bamboo, traditional fans, fishing nets, stools, wall decoration items etc. are the identity of Bhandara. Even today, in rural areas, women and men work collectively from cutting bamboo to weaving.
Major villages: Lakhani, Sindevahi
Art style: Inclusion of modern design along with traditional weaving
Bhandara’s bamboo art has also received encouragement under the “Hastishilp Vikas Yojana” of the Government of Maharashtra.
Wood Carving
Wood carving art is also famous in Bhandara. The carving done on temples, windows and doors of houses, and traditional swings still attract people. Some artists nowadays make small sculptures from wood and sell them in exhibitions.
Prominent artist: Mr. Ramdas Joshi (Tumsar) – who has exhibited his art in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.
Popular products: Nandi, Ganesha, Krishna idols, and traditional chowki
Folk textiles and traditional embroidery
Women in some areas of Bhandara are adept at traditional embroidery and hand art on fabric. Blouse pieces, sarees and dupattas with “Warli art”, “tattoo designs”, and “phool-patti ki kadai” are in great demand.
Major centres: Bhandara city, Lakhani and neighbouring villages
Training: Training centres by Zilla Parishad and women self-help groups
Challenges faced by artisans
Although these artists of Bhandara win the hearts of people with their art, they also face many challenges:
- Lack of market: Buyers are not able to reach their art.
- Low profit: Artisans get less profit due to middlemen.
- Lack of interest among new generation: Youth are attracted towards urban jobs.
- Lack of technical training: Need for training in digitisation and online selling.
Government schemes and local initiatives
The government has launched several schemes that aim to provide economic and social support to these craftsmen:
- Hastishilp Vikas Yojana – training, equipment and financial assistance.
- Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana
- MSME Yojana – loans and support for entrepreneurship.
- Meri Kala Meri Pehchaan Abhiyaan – digital identity for artisans.
In addition, local NGOs and women self-help groups of Bhandara are also providing training, market linkages and exhibition platforms to these artisans.
Need to combine craftsmanship with cultural tourism
If traditional crafts are to be promoted, we need to combine the art of these artisans with cultural tourism. Initiatives like “Heritage Walks”, “Folk Art Festivals”, “Handicraft Fairs” and “Rural Homestays” will not only promote tourism but also ensure income for the artisans.
Conclusion:
The traditional craftsmen of Bhandara are not just artists but true protectors of our culture. Every work from their hands tells a living story of history, emotion and tradition. Today, there is a need to not limit these artists to just applauding them, but to buy their products, promote their art and demand the government to provide them with a proper platform and support.
