Ancient form of Santhal puppetry hopes to get new lease of life

The ancient art of Chadar Badar, which is a form of Santhal puppetry, is on the verge of extinction as very few are aware of its existence at present. The government now has plans to promote the art form in order to revive it and provide remuneration to the artists.

Dumka (Jharkhand): Chadar Badar, an ancient form of Santhal puppetry hopes to get a new lease of life from the government, which is now making efforts to promote the dying folk art.

The art form, which is also known by the name of Chadar Badoni, is popular in the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand as well as in the border areas of West Bengal and Odisha.

The beautiful folk art involves a team of 8-10 artists singing and dancing around a wooden frame which holds small wooden puppets which are controlled by strings. Through the puppets, artists narrate stories. Numerous traditional instruments like the Mandar, Nagara, Ghungroo, Jhal, and Kartal are also used in the performance.

According to tribal belief, human beings are just like puppets, whose ropes are in the hands of God. This very belief forms the soul of Chadar Badoni, which connects tribal culture and customs.

Sadly the art is now heading towards extinction. According to folk artist Maneshwar Murmu, though Chadar Badoni is a very old folk art form, very few people are now aware of its existence.

"If the government encourages this art along with the culture of tribals, folk artists will also benefit," he said.

The Handicrafts Department of the Indian Government's Ministry of Textiles has now taken the initiative to preserve the dying art form.

Speaking to ETV Bharat, Vani Vrat Rai, the regional director of the Handicrafts Department informed that according to a report by the department, the art is on the verge of extinction, but every effort is being made to conserve it.

"We want our traditions to stay alive and people to feel connected to them," he said.

Further, the tourism department is reportedly planning to promote this art in the country and abroad, in order to provide artists associated with the art a proper remuneration and respect.

Though the art is currently dying, artists hope that the government's efforts help in generating new enthusiasm towards the art.

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