In Chhattisgarh (the rice bowl), the beautiful handicrafts made from the ‘para’ (straw/straw) left after harvesting rice are called ‘para art’. Through this, 3D portraits and paintings of great men and gods and goddesses are created using waste para. Along with environmental protection, it is also becoming a major source of rural income. Para art is a very interesting art, requiring patience, imagination, and an understanding of detail. Gradually, the craze for this art is increasing among the people.
The district administration is continuously organizing various training programs to economically empower women in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district and provide them with new livelihood opportunities. In this series, 40 women from a self-help group in Lahoud village, Balodabazar Block, received special training in paddy and straw craft.
- District Panchayat CEO distributed certificates
Upon the successful completion of the training program, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District Panchayat presented certificates to the women who received the training. During the event, she observed the various beautiful and attractive artifacts the women had created from rice and straw. She commended their skills and encouraged them to continue their work.
- Bihaan team’s efforts boost non-farm livelihoods
The CEO of the Balodabazar-Bhatapara District Panchayat stated that the joint efforts of the District Panchayat’s Bihan team are promoting non-agricultural livelihoods in the area. To this end, 40 women from a self-help group at the Chhattisgarh Mahtari Sankul Sangathan in Lahoud have been trained in this art.
Through this training, women will now be able to ensure their additional income and become economically self-reliant by making artefacts from straw and paddy, which are considered useless at the local level.
