Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Feb 7: Koraga community is known for the outstanding skills of manufacturing daily household items by using raw material that is available in nature itself. An exhibition to this effect was unveiled at the Mahatma Gandhi Stadium at Ajjarakadu

This exhibition is a part of preserving the traditional family occupation of the Koraga community to the next generation and encouraging the public to make use of environment-friendly items produced by the community. This programme was organized by district administration, zilla panchayat, sports department and Koraga organizations.

In total 53 skilled artisans from Kota, Kavadi, Brahmavar, Saligrama, Pangala, Hakladi, Nada, Guddeangadi and Varamballi participated in the exhibition. Skills like weaving of baskets, Gerase that is used for sieving lentils, Kudpu that is used to drain the cooked rice, flower baskets and Korgajja butti were demonstrated by the artisans on the spot.

These household items are prepared by using the product which resembles bamboo and is called as Theme in Kannada and Sime in Tulu languages.

Shekhara Maravanthe, secretary of Koraga development association says, "Earlier we used to get Theme which is required to make these household items in our environment itself. Nowadays we have to buy it for a price. These items are sold to local shops and fairs. Flower and fruit sellers sometimes send us orders for small and large size flower and fruit baskets. We contact our skilled artisans and make arrangements to supply the same through our association."

Assistant director of sports department Roshan Shetty said that Rs 2,000 honorary amount will be given to those who take part in the exhibition. Around Rs 20,000 worth of items prepared by the Koraga artisans will be bought by ITDP department.

Most of the participants in the exhibition were above the age of 50. But the star attraction was elderly woman Seege, who is 80 years old. She is from Padubidri. Even at the age of 80, she weaves beautiful baskets and sieves with just one eye. She says that this is her livelihood and she has been dependent on it since her childhood.