Bhubaneswar, Sept 18: From the first breath of life to the final journey, bamboo has long been woven into everyday life and traditions in Odisha. Traditionally, bamboo was used for cutting a newborn’s umbilical cord, while after death, people were carried to the cremation ground on bamboo bier.
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Bamboo also holds a place in Odisha’s religious traditions. The material is used in the Patitapabana Bana, the sacred flag associated with Lord Jagannath at Puri’s Srimandir.
Today, however, bamboo is finding a new identity. From jewellery and home décor to idols, furniture and decorative items, artisans are transforming the humble material into products that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Odisha Plans Two Bamboo Clusters
To expand livelihood opportunities and promote bamboo-based enterprises, the government has approved the establishment of two bamboo clusters in the first phase.
The Odisha Bamboo Development Agency (OBDA) will establish the clusters at Soro in Balasore district and Talabasta in Banki, Cuttack district.
The announcement comes around World Bamboo Day, bringing fresh hope to bamboo artisans and those associated with the sector. According to OBDA, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the two clusters have already been prepared, with work expected to begin soon.
The clusters are expected to provide employment opportunities to unemployed youth while creating a platform where bamboo products can be produced, displayed and sold.
From Jewellery to Idols
Bamboo is no longer limited to traditional household use. Artisans are now creating a wide range of products, including necklaces, garlands, hair clips, mangalsutras, bangles, chairs, benches, tables, flower vases and replicas of gods, goddesses, animals and birds.
The growing popularity of such products has also increased their presence at Pallishree fairs, district festivals and other local markets across Odisha. Despite comparatively higher prices, bamboo products are attracting buyers because of their handmade character and unique designs.
Odisha currently has around 3.5 lakh acres of bamboo forest, with annual bamboo production estimated at around four lakh metric tonnes. Districts such as Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Kalahandi and Mayurbhanj are among the major bamboo-producing regions.
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Artisan Trains 12,000 Youth
Ekadashi Barik, a master trainer from the Banki area, has welcomed the proposed bamboo cluster at Talabasta.
Barik, who received training from the Handicrafts Directorate, has been working with bamboo since 1982. Over the years, he has reportedly trained around 12,000 young people in bamboo craftsmanship.
He currently makes a variety of bamboo products, ranging from jewellery to furniture and decorative figures, with prices ranging from around Rs 400 to Rs 4,000.
According to him, the bamboo cluster will provide artisans with a direct platform to sell their products and could create employment opportunities for local youth.
Odisha’s First Bamboo Park Coming Up
Meanwhile, Odisha is also developing its first Bamboo Park at Sindurpur in Boudh district. Work on the project is reportedly in its final stage.
The park has an estimated budget of Rs 1.85 crore and will showcase bamboo-based products while creating employment opportunities for artisans. The Sindurpur Vana Suraksha Samiti will be entrusted with its management.
Bamboo Research Centre Yet to Take Off
While several bamboo initiatives are moving ahead, the proposed Bamboo Research and Training Centre in Bhubaneswar remains pending.
The site for the centre is still being searched for. Once established, the centre is expected to support research into bamboo, encourage the development of new products and provide training opportunities for more artisans.
Bamboo Hut Coming Up at Kalinganagar
Adding another boost to bamboo-based products, a Bamboo Hut is being developed at Anandaban in Kalinganagar, Bhubaneswar.
The facility is expected to provide a platform for artisans to sell their handmade bamboo products through both online and offline channels. Products made by artisans from different parts of the state will be brought to the hut for sale.
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From traditional practices to contemporary craftsmanship, bamboo is gradually emerging as more than just a natural resource in Odisha. With new clusters, a bamboo park and proposed research facilities, the material is gaining a new role in livelihood generation, handicrafts and sustainable enterprise.
