Nabarangpur,Aug 6 [UDN}:: In the remote Dangara village under Ghodakhunta Gram Panchayat of Dabugam Block in Odisha’s Nabarangpur district, artisan Prahlad Banjara and his family are keeping alive a centuries-old tradition of crafting ornamental decorations for tribal deities. Their dedication has not only made them self-reliant but has also earned them a distinct identity and respect across the region.
For generations, the Banjara family has been engaged in the intricate art of making traditional ornaments used to decorate various gods and goddesses during tribal religious festivals and cultural celebrations. This unique craftsmanship has become widely recognized and appreciated in the surrounding areas as an important part of the region’s rich tribal heritage.
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, Prahlad Banjara has devoted many years to mastering and continuing this traditional craft. Today, the entire family actively participates in the process, ensuring that the knowledge and skills are passed on to the next generation.
The ornaments are handcrafted using colorful fabrics, vibrant threads, cowrie shells, small mirrors, and decorative strings. These carefully designed pieces are specifically created for adorning tribal deities during important cultural and religious occasions such as Mandei Yatra, Thakurani Yatra, and various other village festivals. Since these ornaments are in high demand before such festivals, customers usually place advance orders well in advance and collect the finished products after completion.
Except during the monsoon season, Prahlad and his family remain engaged in this traditional occupation throughout the year. According to Prahlad, the family earns an annual income of around ₹60,000 to ₹70,000 from this handicraft business. During the rainy season, when demand for the ornaments declines, they turn to agriculture for their livelihood.
Despite possessing exceptional artistic talent and playing a crucial role in preserving Odisha’s tribal cultural heritage, the family has not received any financial assistance or institutional support from the government. Due to the lack of adequate funding, their work remains limited in scale, preventing them from expanding production or improving their livelihood.
Local intellectuals and community members have urged the government to extend financial support and promotional assistance to artisans like Prahlad Banjara. They believe that such support would not only help preserve this invaluable traditional tribal handicraft but also generate employment opportunities for other local people, ensuring that this unique cultural legacy continues to thrive for future generations.
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