Lakdi ke bartan kaise bante hai | kosi nadi (girija mandir) ke pass | jim corbett Uttarakhand me.

Ramnagar News: While today's younger generation living in cities may be unfamiliar with words like "Theki," "Kathudi," "Paro," "Naali," "Kumli," "Chadi," "Dokla," "Hadpya," "Naiya," "Pai," "Hudka," "Dhadon," and "Palli," their elders, upon hearing these names, still dive into the ocean of history with a deep sadness on their faces. In fact, some of these are the names of wooden utensils that were once an integral part of every kitchen and mountain life in Uttarakhand. As modernity changed lifestyles, bronze, copper, brass, and clay utensils were replaced by gleaming steel. This is where the decline of these wooden utensils began, marking the beginning of the downfall of the artisans who made these wooden utensils and accessories. In Uttarakhand, these artisans are known as "Chunare" in the local language. Previously, these "Chunare" had no shortage of market or raw material (wood) for making utensils. Gathi and Sanan wood, which were known for their long-lasting resistance to decay, were available in abundance, and these skilled craftsmen also had a large following. Every year, these people from the central Himalayan region would camp on a river bank along the Bhabar forest. To shape the wood from the Sanan tree into vessels, they would create a small channel across the main stream of the river, diverting the water in the opposite direction of the slope, thus creating a stream. At a short distance, this stream of water would fall on a wooden pulley attached to a wooden "sane." The impact of this stream of water would cause the "sane" attached to the pulley to rotate along with the rotating pulley. On this rotating lathe, small pieces of wood, cut into small pieces, were fixed, hammered, hollowed out, and shaped into the desired vessel using an iron "sambi." Throughout the winter season, these woodcrafters used their skills to craft a wide variety of utensils. With the arrival of spring, it was time for these artisans to return to their villages with their crafted utensils. Large markets were set up in the summer for these utensils, where they were sold. As winter arrived after the rainy season, these craftsmen would once again camp on a river bank. Year after year, these craftsmen's nomadic lifestyle continued, and their craftsmanship continued to evolve, passing from one generation to the next. The trend declined from the 8th decade of the last century But the 8th decade of the last century brought a double blow to this woodcraft. In this decade, steel, plastic, and shiny ceramics began entering kitchens in the hilly regions, and the Forest Act later allowed the Forest Department to allot trees to these craftsmen upon application for wood. A craftsman used to get a permit for five trees a year. However, government hassles, delays, and a dwindling market forced many artisans to abandon this craft and pursue other occupations. Despite this, many artisans are still keeping this craft alive despite all the adverse circumstances. These artisans continue to cultivate their traditional skills by coming to Baur in Kaladhungi, Kunkhet, Garjia, Bangajhala, or Sitavani forests on the Kosi River in Ramnagar. This year, they are once again bringing pieces of wood to life with their own hands on the Kosi River in the Ramnagar Forest Division. Sixty-year-old Udayram is also camping at a spot on the Kosi River with his two companions. The Artisan's Plight Udayram says that previously, the Forest Department would grant him a permit for five trees every year, but now he can barely get one or two. He makes these utensils after toiling day and night, risking his life in areas inhabited by wild animals, but they don't fetch a decent price in the market. Udayram has been engaged in this profession since the age of 13. He himself wants to pass on this skill to the new generation, but due to the lack of appreciation for this craft and the plight of current artisans, the new generation is showing no interest in it. The government has taken no measures to preserve the art of Chunero, nor does it receive any support from any department. Udayram isn't saying anything wrong, however. These are primarily supplied to the Jain community's saints and monks. Jain saints, such as Terapanthi and Mandir Margiya, eat food in these wooden utensils and drink water from glasses made of the same wood, as per their traditions. Eating in these utensils is also beneficial for health. Furthermore, promoting them in Himalayan regions and other countries can also provide the desired market. Forest Department Currently, this traditional woodcraft has been completely ruined due to lack of government support. Even among the few people still involved in this profession, their own children are reluctant to take up the profession, seeing its plight. However, Kundan Kumar, DFO of the Ramnagar Forest Division, says that efforts will be made to support the artisans by displaying these utensils in Forest Department souvenirs or nature shops, increasing their...