Surguja Resident Chamru Manjhi Crafts Bamboo Items for Fifty Years Seventy-year-old Chamru Manjhi from Katkalo village in Surguja has been crafting traditional bamboo items for five decades, attracting customers directly to his doorstep without needing to visit a market. Chamru Manjhi, a resident of Katkalo village in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh, is nearly 70 years old, yet the dexterity and skill in his hands remain exceptional. Even in his advancing years, Chamru continues to showcase his talent and hard work by crafting items like 'garna', which is used for poultry rearing. In addition to this, he creates 'puti', a traditional vessel used in villages to store fish or local vegetables to prevent them from spoiling. For roughly 50 years, Chamru has handcrafted various seasonal items without ever needing to sell them in a market. Instead, the demand for his handmade products is so high that people visit his home directly to purchase them, allowing him to sustain his livelihood. Learning the Craft from His Father and Practicing It for Five Decades The elderly craftsman shared that he has been making 'garna' and other traditional items for about 50 years. He acquired this skill by watching his father make similar items during his childhood, eventually trying his hand at it and slowly mastering the craft. As time passed, this skill became his defining identity. Today, despite his advanced age, he has not forgotten his traditional art and continues to prepare these items whenever he finds the time. Sourcing Materials from the Forest and Handcrafting Useful Goods Chamru Manjhi procures the necessary raw materials from the forest to create these items, though locals occasionally provide materials for him as well. He then relies on his vast experience and craftsmanship to fashion useful goods. His work is entirely rooted in traditional methods, combining rigorous physical effort with years of accumulated expertise. From Covering Poultry to Gathering Vegetables: The Utility of Garna Chamru Manjhi's son, Dilip, informed Local 18 that the item used to cover chickens is locally known as a 'garna'. Alongside this, Chamru also crafts 'mora', 'phuti', and various other small and large traditional items. These goods serve multiple purposes across rural areas, finding utility in agricultural regions for gathering vegetables and near rivers and streams for fishing. No Need to Visit the Market as Customers Arrive at the Doorstep The method of selling Chamru Manjhi's creations is quite unique. He does not take his goods to the market to sell them himself; rather, buyers come straight to his house. According to Dilip, a single 'garna' is sold for roughly 300 rupees, which highlights the continued relevance and utility of this traditional art. However, exact figures regarding total sales volume and overall income remain unverified. Preserving Rural Heritage Amid the Modern Era The story of Chamru Manjhi, who has been crafting traditional goods for nearly five decades, is not merely the tale of an elderly artisan, but a reflection of a rural heritage that has been part of people's lives for generations. The skill he learned from his father remains alive in his hands today. In an era dominated by modernity, such artisans play a vital role in preserving traditional knowledge and local culture. There is a clear need for such craftsmanship to receive due recognition so that future generations can learn and carry the tradition forward. What this means for you This story highlights the enduring value of traditional craftsmanship and its direct economic and cultural relevance in rural communities. • In Chhattisgarh: Local artisans across Surguja and surrounding rural regions are encouraged to preserve their indigenous skills and traditional handicraft methods. Increased local demand for bamboo products supports rural livelihoods and home-based micro-economies. • For Market Dynamics: Selling directly from home without intermediaries allows craftsmen to retain a fair and uncompromised price for their labor. • For Daily Practicality: Utilizing traditional equipment for poultry management and vegetable storage offers an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to modern plastic goods. • For Cultural Heritage: The dedication of local artisans plays a crucial role in safeguarding vanishing indigenous knowledge and cultural traditions amid rapid modernization. Why this happened This story highlights the deep-rooted dedication to generational skills and traditional craftsmanship that persists despite modern alternatives. • Generational Learning: Chamru Manjhi acquired his craft by observing his father during childhood, maintaining a lineage of traditional skill spanning five decades. • Sustained Rural Demand: Agricultural, poultry, and fishing activities in rural areas create a continuous, practical need for these handcrafted bamboo items. • Direct Customer Trust: The durability and everyday utility of his handmade goods drive customers directly to his doorstep without traditional retail channels. Questions & Answers 1. What is Chamru Manjhi's age? Chamru Manjhi is approximately 70 years old. 2. How long has he been crafting traditional items? He has been making traditional items for about 50 years. 3. Where does Chamru Manjhi live? He lives in Katkalo village in the Surguja district of Chhattisgarh. 4. What main items does he craft from bamboo? He crafts 'garna' for poultry rearing and 'puti' for storing vegetables or fish. 5. Where does he go to sell his goods? He does not go to the market to sell; instead, customers come directly to his house. 6. How much does a single garna cost? According to his son Dilip, a single garna is sold for about 300 rupees. 7. From whom did he learn this craft? He learned the skill by watching his father during his childhood. 8. Where are the raw materials sourced from? He brings the required materials from the forest to make these items. Inspiration & Lessons Chamru Manjhi's five-decade journey offers valuable lessons in dedication and self-reliance. • Honoring Family Heritage: Traditional skills passed down through generations can be sustained with passion and dedication well into advanced age. • Consistency and Hard Work: Dedicating oneself to a craft for fifty years builds lasting reputation and enduring self-reliance. • Quality Over Marketing: When your work possesses genuine utility and durability, customers will seek you out directly without the need for traditional retail outlets. • Utilizing Local Resources: Sourcing raw materials from the immediate environment to create functional goods exemplifies sustainable, eco-friendly self-sufficiency. https://trendkia.com/en/chhattisgarh/surguja-ke-sattara-varshiya-chamru-manjhi-ka-kamala-pachasa-varshon-se-bansa-ki-kalakari-se-snvara-rahe-hain-jivana-48733 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.