Chief Minister directs the Forest Department; now Gedi will be available in C-Mart and the Forest Department’s offices
Bamboo artisans (Basod) can sell Gedi at the local level to earn additional income
Raipur 3 July 2023//
In a new initiative for the ‘Hareli Tihar’, the state government will now offer the public the opportunity to purchase Gedi (stilts) at various places. Forest Department offices and C-Mart will provide a good-quality ‘Gedi’ for purchase at a fixed rate. Basod (Bamboo artisans) can also sell ‘Gedi’ to interested individuals, generating additional income for them.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Mr.Srinivasa Rao shared that in a move to celebrate the ‘Hareli Tihar’, the Forest Department, as per the directions of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, will produce and sell ‘Gedi’ at various places. Playing ‘Gedi’ has long been associated with this traditional festival, with families in rural areas eagerly participating in playing Gedi, a lively play enjoyed by children and youth. It serves as a joyous welcome to the rainy season, as it is easy to traverse the muddy terrain of villages using Gedi. Gedi is constructed from bamboo, with two pieces of bamboo fixed at equal distances (two feet above the ground at each bamboo stick) with the help of nails and tied with rope, forming the base for the footrest, which is known as ‘Pauva’. The sound produced by Gedi creates a vibrant atmosphere, further enhancing the festive spirit.
