GADCHIROLI

The Rela dance is a traditional folk performance associated with the Gondi community, who reside in many regions across Maharashtra including Gadchiroli. It has been practiced for generations and is closely linked to the cultural and social traditions of the community. Male performers typically wear attire such as dhoti, kalargha, and ghungru (ankle bells), while the performance is accompanied by musical instruments including the dhol, nargi, surnai, and kalikomcha.

The dance is prominently featured during festive occasions including Diwali and Chaitra Palvi, as well as during paddy harvesting season. Through Rela, the Gondi people narrate their stories, celebrate life's cyclical nature, and reinforce communal bonds.

Zadipatti is a form of theatrical performance which is usually performed in the eastern Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, specifically in the districts of Chandrapur, Gondia, Bhandara, and Gadchiroli. 

The etymology of this dramatic art form is particularly interesting, they are linked to multiple aspects of the region’s identity. The area is colloquially often regarded as the Jhadi region, a term referring to its dense forests (jhadi meaning “thicket” or “forest”) and rice fields.

Desaiganj (Wadsa) of Gadchiroli, is notably recognized as a center for this art form. The region is home to several performers associated with this art form such as Yuvraj Pradhan, Anirudh Vankar, Shekhar Dongre, and Hiralal Painter, who have very significantly contributed to the continuation and development of the Natak.

Bamboo holds a significant place in the Gadchiroli district and is recognized as the district’s One District One Product (ODOP). Various items made from bamboo in the district such as baskets, hunting arrows, and even “benda” for poultry.

Locals say that four primary bamboo species are found in the region, they call each of these colloquially as Kat idi, Kaval idi, Nol idi, and Pite idi. Nol idi is particularly valued for making flutes, soups, and baskets due to its longer distance between ridges. Kat idi is commonly used for crafting ladders (Aja) for harvesting palm toddy.

Wood carving is a traditional craft practiced in Gadchiroli, particularly among the Madia community. Among the items crafted is the "poggota," a tobacco container made from soft Shivan wood. Interestingly, the term "poggota" originates from the Madia language, where "Poga" denotes tobacco and "gota" refers to a small box. These containers are made from a single piece of wood, with a joint only at the lid. They often have a hole for threading a string, allowing them to be worn around the neck. Wooden combs are also produced and are notably, sometimes used as decorative items during traditional dances.

In Bhamragad, a region in Gadchiroli district, a former tehsildar’s office has been repurposed as a training center for arts and crafts. The area is predominantly inhabited by the Madia Gond community.

The transformation was initiated by IAS officer Manuj Jindal, with the aim of establishing a setting where traditional skills could be practiced, preserved, and adapted. The center opened in January and hosts a six-month residential program focused on crafts such as bamboo work, wood carving, and metal art. Participants receive a monthly stipend of ₹3,000, along with accommodation, meals, and a share in the proceeds from the sale of their work.

A key contributor to the center’s creative direction is Suresh Pungati, an artisan from Koyanguda village. Specializing in bamboo, wood, and Dhokra metal craft, Pungati assists in shaping the curriculum and guiding participants through hands-on learning. He divides his time between Bhamragad and Pune, where he is also involved in artistic practice.

The use of a former office as a creative space is unconventional; however, the center effectively functions both as a site for skill development and as a space for creative exploration grounded in local traditions.

Parshuram Khune is an actor and performer well-known for his contributions to Zadipatti theater. He was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his work.

Notably, Khune has appeared in over 5,000 performances, taking on more than 800 roles, which earned him the title of ‘Vidarbhacha Dada Kondke.’ His work spans traditional and commercial themes, and he is known for using theater to address social issues such as addiction, superstition, and sanitation.

Khune has also served as the head of various cultural organizations, including Zadipatti Kala Niketan and the Zadipatti Natya Sammelan. He has been recognized for his contributions to agriculture as well, receiving the Shetinishtha Shetkari Puraskar from the Maharashtra Government.

Suresh Pungati is an artisan from the Madia community in Gadchiroli and co-founder of the Devrai Art Project (DAV), established in 2008 with Mandakini Mathur.  He specializes in bamboo work, wood carving, and Dhokra metal art. Pungati's work includes both the practice of these crafts and efforts to innovate within them. He was among the many figures who developed and holds a patent for a distinct artistic technique known as Rock Dhokra.

In 2002, he received the Adivasi Sevak Puraskar from the Government of Maharashtra. Pungati divides his time between Koyanguda village in Gadchiroli and Pune, where he is involved in craft training and production. His work also includes teaching and mentoring in the field of traditional and contemporary craft techniques.