VISUAL ARTS

Srinath Hindi Mahotsav , which we highlighted in December'22, was a literary event and the experience was amazing. The common theme throughout this event was "Hriday mein Hindi". The local community gathered together as artists and attendees to share and connect. And in fact, it turned out to be one of the most successful events for many of the poets and artists. Hindi Mahotsav provides an opportunity to witness authentic folk arts and handicrafts from various parts of the country. Craft Activities included: Cardboard sculptures. Tribal painting on soop and chatai. Colourful Tribal Masks. Deer, tree and rock for Ramayana play. Figures of villagers and animal. Cart Wheels. Carton masks.  

The clay that is used for Deer making is usually extracted from river banks because of its fine quality. A lot of the clay is sourced from river Ganga. The main and the first step is to create a mould or a framework. This framework is made from green bamboo and the pedestals are made from local wood. The anatomy of  Deer is mostly created out of hay straw. The torso is created first and then legs are created and attached to the torso. Once the hay figure is in place, it is coated with first level of thin clay and put to dry. The clay eventually dries and cracks appear. Those cracks have to be then covered up by putting a layer of paat or raw jute. At least two layers of paint is added on the deer to give them a natural look.  Deer is now painted with water colours and varnish is applied on nose, eyes and  hoofs  to give a glossy look. On an average, it takes 7 days to make a pair of traditional deer. I use eco-friendly material, which would include water colour ins...