Dhokra craftsmanship takes center stage at Dhenkanal Heritage Walk

Bhubaneswar, Sept 15: Despite heavy rain and challenging weather conditions, over 30 heritage and culture enthusiasts visited the renowned villages of Nuagaon and Sadeibareni, located on the outskirts of Dhenkanal town, to explore the traditional dhokra craft. They interacted with artisans and learned about the intricate metal casting process, which has been passed down through generations in these picturesque hamlets surrounded by forests and natural beauty.

This visit was part of the 17th Dhenkanal Heritage Walks (DHW), with a focus on the dhokra craft and the lives of the artisans. The participants discovered the artisans' struggles and their efforts to preserve this ancient art form, despite facing numerous challenges.

Dhokra is a non-ferrous metal casting technique that uses the lost-wax method, a practice that dates back over 4,000 years. This craft is renowned for its primitive simplicity, folk motifs, and powerful forms, and is in high demand both in India and abroad. Dhokra artisans create a variety of objects, including horses, elephants, owls, religious images, and decorative items. The craft is found in Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal, with Odisha’s Dhenkanal and Mayurbhanj being major production centers.

The visitors were treated to a demonstration of the metal casting process by award-winning artisan Sanatan Pradhan, a master craftsman from Nuagaon village. Pradhan shared his experience of relocating, along with 35 other families, from their ancestral home in Sadeibareni to form a new village. A state-level awardee, Pradhan has also represented the Sadeibareni Dhokra Cluster in England, learning techniques to enhance their craft.

Another artist, Golap Gadatia, a state design and merit awardee, shared her journey of continuing dhokra art while caring for her bedridden husband. Gadatia participates in state and national craft exhibitions, showcasing her intricate work.

The group also visited the Sadeibareni Cluster House on Dhokra Craft, built by the Dhenkanal district administration to host exhibitions, meetings, and training sessions for local artisans. Despite the artisans’ achievements, concerns were raised about their stagnant economic conditions over the years.

DHW convener Suresh Prasad Mishra, along with scholars, heritage lovers, and students from various fields, participated in the event, reflecting the community’s ongoing interest in preserving Odisha’s cultural heritage.