Bastar Gondi Woodcarving Iron Craft Dhokra Heritage

Bastar district in south Chhattisgarh is Gondi tribal culture's artistic heartland, where three craft traditions coexist: Dhokra (lost-wax bell-metal casting) of animals, deity figures, and tribal ornaments; iron craft of stylised birds, horses, and trees that are hammered and welded cold; and woodcarving of pillars, doors, and ancestor memorial posts by Gond craftsmen. The Bastar Dussehra — a 75-day festival that is the world's longest, running from Ashwin Shukla Navami — is distinct from the pan-Indian Dussehra tradition and involves the Danteshwari goddess (not Rama's victory over Ravana) and tribals from 84 villages participating in clan-specific rituals. Bastar craft is marketed through state emporiums and national craft fairs; authentic Bastar Dhokra commands premium prices in urban galleries versus cheaper imitations from other centres.