Portraying the rich art and culture of the tribal inhabitants of the ‘Land of the Forest’, another major puja pandal of Ranchi which registers a distinct place in showcasing the creativity, colour combination and concept has come up with a theme capturing the way of life of indigenous population. As a mark of accolade to the tribal populace, popular art works of Jharkhand has been adorned to gratify the look of Ranchi Railway Station puja pandal being decked up here since decades.
Taking inspiration from Adivasi customs and roots, group of artists from West Bengal have imprinted the soul of the tribal State. Pandal Hoppers mulling to witness dying art forms ranging from Sohrai to Dhokra to Kohbar including the lifestyles of tribal people will get to see a whole new concept here combined with a popular folk art form.
Interestingly, milieu of famous dance-forms Chhau, a semi classical Indian dance with martial, tribal and folk traditions, with origins in the eastern States of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha has been used primarily in boosting the entire concept.
Crafted out with the use of biodegradable stuffs like clay, terracotta, ply-boards, bamboo sticks etc, besides the tribal paintings and other art works, the ambiance of this pandal has been created on a similar lines to that of a tribal lifestyle. According to the organisers of the puja samiti, the decoration of the deities has been inspired from the zest of tribal customs.
Traditional tribal weapons have been kept on the premises of puja pandals to add more practicality to the concept. Also, figurines of Ravaana including Lord Hanumaan measuring 15 feet and 20 feet respectively have been decked up on the puja pandal premises adorned with Chhau masks. “Sculpts of the deities prepared out of clay and plaster of paris have been designed taking inspiration from the folk dance form get-up. The backdrop of the main podium also carries the essence of tribal customs. Special focus has been given on designing the masks and other jewellery of the figurines that matches the texture of Chhau dance,” said president of Ranchi Railway Station Puja Pandal, Munchun Rai.
The puja pandal decorated at a cost of Rs 35 lakh have deities measuring 15 feet each. “The puja pandal has been decorated with eco-friendly materials while attempts have been made to make people aware about its lost heritance. From contemporary themes to giving a glimpse of tribal customs to the visitors, this is for the first time that our committee has tried a concept which is inspired from local culture, art and subsistence of a particular community,” added Rai.
