Raipur. A unique view of agriculture, art-culture, food and costumes was seen today at the residence office of Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai on the occasion of Hareli festival. People participating in the Hareli festival were seen immersed in the colors of folk culture wearing Chhattisgarhi costumes. Chief Minister Sai and ministers were wearing Khumri in traditional costumes at the program.
Chhattisgarh is a state where special types of traditional equipment and items are used for every occasion and work. On the occasion of Hareli festival, these traditional agricultural equipment and costumes were seen in the Chief Minister’s residence office, which is an invaluable heritage of Chhattisgarh’s rich culture.
katha – In this picture, two round wooden structures are visible on the left, which are called Katha. In olden times, when weighing scales were not in vogue in villages for measuring paddy, paddy was measured using Katha. Generally, one Katha contains four kilos of paddy. Earlier, paddy was measured in Katha and wages were paid in the form of paddy.
Khumari – To provide shade to the head, a circular structure made of thin bamboo strips, painted pink and decorated with cowries is called Khumri. Cowherds usually wear this on their heads. This protects them from the sun and rain. Earlier, shepherds used to go out to graze the cattle carrying Kamara (raincoat) and Khumri. Kamara was a blanket-like thick cloth made of jute fibre, which is used to protect from rain.
brass cord – The round bunch of string next to Khumri is the string made from the stem of Kansi plant. It was earlier used as a wicker for making cots or cots. The process of making string is called Dori Antna. After the beginning of the rainy season, when Kansi plants grow in the field ridges, then its stem is cut and string is made, which is used for weaving cots.
Jhaampi – The large round wooden structure with a lid on the extreme right of the picture is called Jhaapi. In olden times, it was used as an alternative to a bag or box in Chhattisgarh. It was especially used to keep the groom’s clothes, makeup items, dishes etc. during the wedding procession. It was a strong structure made of bamboo wood, which does not get damaged or destroyed for many years.
Kalari – Kalari is made by attaching a sharp iron hook to the end of a bamboo stick. It is used to turn the paddy during threshing.