Under the popular museum series ‘Exhibit of the Month’ of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, a traditional object is displayed in the appearance for a whole month.
The exhibit for the month of august 2024 Khumri- A-traditional rain protector is on display in the indoor exhibition building–Veethi Sankul. The 'exhibit of the month' was inaugurated by Sanjay Goyal IAS secretary school education department Madhya Pradesh,Bhopal on the occasion many dignitaries were present.
This object has been composed by Museum Assistant Dr Umesh Jhariya .On this occasion, the Director of the Museum, Dr. Amitabh Pandey welcomed Dr Sanjay Goyal IAS secretary school education Bhopal by giving him a bouquet and honored him by presenting him the logo of the Museum.
About the exhibit displayed in the exhibition, Museum Assistant Dr Umesh Jhariya said that the The Khumri is a traditional umbrella crafted to provide protection from rain and sunrays, particularly during the rainy & Summer season. Symbolizing the harmony between humans and nature, the Khumri is constructed from local bamboo and Mahul Bel (Bauhinia Vahlii) leaves sourced from the natural environment. Predominantly used by farmers in tribal regions of Madhya Pradesh for various agricultural tasks, the usage of the Khumri is now gradually diminishing. Its shape, size, and structure vary according to the local environment and different geographical regions. The Khumri showcased here was collected from the Gond community in Madhya Pradesh in 1991.
Traditionally, Khumri is crafted by village elders to fit both men and women. The materials needed include two long raw local bamboos, Mahul Bel leaves from the natural environment, and twine rope. The process begins with preparing thin strips of raw bamboo using basic tools, followed by weaving these strips. After completing two separate weavings, the dried Mahul Bel leaves are systematically arranged to create the traditional Khumri, resulting in a lightweight and beautifully shaped umbrella.
