Chhattisgarh: Maoist-hit Abujhmad witnesses its first carnival

RAIPUR: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, a seven-day 'Abujhmad Handicrafts Carnival 2021' is being organised in one of the worst Maoist affected Narayanpur district. The carnival aims to provide an opportunity to the craftsmen and artisans coming from different states to exhibit their art besides getting glimpse of the unique art and craft of Chhattisgarh.The fair will conclude on November 21.
Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Development Board chairman and MLA Chandan Kashyap said that it is the first time the fest is being organised at the such mass-level in Abujhmad-- a dense forest region of the district--where artists and craftsmen from different regions of the country are exhibiting their works. The fest will help in promoting unique art and craft of Abujhmad region across the country and abroad.
About 30 artisans and craftsmen from Chhattisgarh and different parts of the country including Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Banaras, and Uttar Pradesh have set up their stalls here.
Bastar's famous art and craft items, bell metal jewellery, clay products of Chhattisgarh Matikala Board, iron craft items, handloom and handicraft products, cotton garments, dryflower decor items, Chanderi sarees, terracotta items, designer jewelry, clothes with beautiful zardozi work, and wooden art items have been put for exhibition cum sale here. Besides, other attractions are beautiful Jaipuri Lac bangles, home decor items, south sea pearls, carpets, Kashmiri shawls, Saharanpur furniture, bamboo furniture, silk fabric material, and Kosa sarees.
A cultural programme by bamboo craftsmen was showcased on the inaugural day. Besides, the artists of cultural group gave an enthusiastic performance of evergreen Hindi songs and Chhattisgarhi songs. A 'Kavi Sammelan' was held on Tuesday which received a huge applaud from audience. A live orchestra performance by a cultural group of Narayanpur was staged on Wednesday.