Chhatisgarh As My Roots!

This is a #blog that I have been waiting to post for a long time. To the people always wandering, I am a South Indian but brought up in #chhattisgarh this place played a big part in my inspiration. I may be away from the place but very much attached to my roots.

It was a beautiful time in March 2022 the very first thing I saw from my car window was lovely green fields, dense Sal forest, and small painted huts, as I reached a small village called Chhote Kawali, 20kms drive from Jagdalpur. The green mustard plants with yellow flowers were spread across everywhere. A soft breeze was blowing, and I felt I had come to paradise. The dust and noise of the city seemed far away. I was with my parents. It was my dad's wish to go to Bastar again - he was there 30 years back and this time for my fashion research purpose.. I think sometimes the path of life brings you back to where you belong to.

We were welcomed by Yash's family. Yash works as a local tourist guide with an intelligent young mind. We were hosted by Yash's mother who served us delicious local food..it's a little hard for a vegetarian to get food but no doubt she managed it very well and we loved her home-cooked vegetarian food. It was a little challenging for the 3 of us to stay in a mud house covered with cow dung with thatched roofs along with some cocks and chickens roaming around..hahaha.. This was quite the experience for me and my mum..I think dad enjoyed it :) No doubt everything was neat & clean.

The next morning I started my #research trip from the village of Chilkuti where I met Mr.Mahesh Nath Sagar who is an artist of bell metal art. He is proudly taking ahead his generations of work. Bell metal is a casting technique and is believed to be one of the oldest forms that represent the finest, graceful art form of Chattisgarh, appreciated all over the world. The Bastar tribes were also amongst the earliest to develop their expertise in working with metals. We purchased some beautiful metal art pieces from him. Next was the village of Nangur. We reached there early evening and had the tastiest hot Darbobo (similar to pakora/bhajiya) with tomato chutney..cannot tell how yummy, and crunchy it was.

These #village are filled with an abundance of #beauty and the most humble villagers around. My research took place in many villages like Badekvale, Bodara, Dhonki, Milkulwada, and some interior places too. I learned about the new cultures and tribal lifestyles. Research at the #grassroots level will teach you many things for life which you will remember forever. I noted every detail, captured the views, and tried my best to understand the new perspectives of design. The villages were pristine and it seemed like we were in a time capsule from generations ago.I could feel the innocence & kindness of the tribal people, still living the lives of their ancestors and taking their legacies forward. This is one thing I love about India and can't stop taking pride in it. I was mesmerized by the draping style of women, intricate metalwork, bamboo/jute handwork, and istinctive #jewellery made from old utensils. The village Milkuwada was mostly with the villagers of Dhruva tribes. Got to know about the hunting process ..this was a very interesting piece of information. The Gonds of Bastar are one of the most renowned tribes in the country, known for their unique #ghothul system of the wedding. In terms of the population of central India, these Gonds are the largest tribal group. After a week my research came to an end..of course, it's a very short time for research but I tried to capture the most important things in my limited time. My mum wanted to end the Bastar trip with a sight of #chitrakote falls..YES, it took our breath away. The waterfalls were wild and brimming, sprays shooting up in a column several meters high in a powerful gush. No doubt the ‘mini Niagara’ name does appear well deserved.

Is it chaotic? Yes.

Is it loud? Yes.

Dangerous? Not at all.

Though it wasn’t my first time in my state, this state always impresses me with its raw beauty and some parts of it do make me emotional. The beauty of Bastar- truly an incredible Chhattisgarh. I instantly knew I had many more Bastar trips to come. I left with the hope that this state should be known for its hidden beauty rather than the question of the fear it evokes.

#chhattisgarh #fashiondesigner #ruralindia