Kalahandi, 25.06.2025: In the villages of Kalahandi, Odisha, tribal women are bringing new life to their traditional art forms with the support of Vedanta Aluminium‘s project Adikala. This community project started in 2018, is helping revive the ancient Saura painting and Dhokra metal craft while also creating new job opportunities for local women.
Before this initiative, many of these traditional crafts were slowly disappearing due to lack of demand and awareness. Now, thanks to project Adikala, more than 120 artisans, most of them are women are receiving training, tools, and support to improve their skills, create new designs, and sell their products in bigger markets. Earlier it was available for local’s use only, now being sold across India and international exhibitions.
Women artisans are now making items like jute bags , clothes, and home decor using traditional designs, but with eco-friendly materials. Products under the ‘Kalahandi Craft’ label have become popular, and the project has helped boost the income of many families. For example, Uanshu Kansari, a Dhokra artist from Bandhapari used to struggle to earn enough. After joining the training , he is earning enough to support his family.
So far, the artisans involved have seen their incomes grow by over 50 percent, and total sales have reached Rs 20 lakh in the past year. More than 100 schoolchildren are also learning these traditional skills so they can carry them forward. Most importantly, women are now leading the way in preserving their cultural identity while building better futures for their families.
