The Hareli festival, a celebration of Chhattisgarhi culture, was marked at Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai’s residence on July 24th. The event showcased traditional agricultural implements and attire that are integral to Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural identity. The display highlighted the unique tools and practices that define the state’s traditions.
The ‘Katha,’ used to measure paddy before modern weighing scales were available, was a prominent feature. These wooden structures, holding roughly four kilograms of paddy, were essential for transactions. The ‘Khumri,’ a bamboo head covering, protected against the elements, traditionally worn by cowherds along with a ‘Kamra,’ a jute fiber raincoat. The ‘Kasi Ki Dori,’ made from the ‘Kasi’ plant’s stem, served as a strong rope, particularly for weaving cots, with its creation referred to as ‘Dori Aantna.’ The ‘Jhanpi,’ a lidded wooden container, functioned as a storage solution, especially during weddings to hold the groom’s belongings. Finally, the ‘Kalari,’ a bamboo stick with an iron hook, assisted in turning paddy during threshing.