Vedanta breathes new life into Kalahandi's Saura and Dhokra art

IN the tribal heartland of Kalahandi, where tradition and identity are deeply rooted in ancestral art, two ancient forms — Saura painting and Dhokra craft — are experi-encing a vibrant revival.

- PBD BUREAU

Once threatened by fading relevance and lack of exposure, these tribal art forms are now flourishing under Project Adikala, a flagship community initia-tive by Vedanta Aluminium.

Launched in 2018 under Vedanta’s CSR framework, Project Adikala aims not just to preserve but rejuvenate Odisha’s tribal arts, empowering artisans through modern training, market linkages, and product innovation. What began with just 15 artisans has now grown into a thriving community of over 120, reshaping Kalahandi as a cultural epicentre of tribal craftsmanship.

Dhokra, a 4,000-year-old metal craft using the ‘lost wax technique,’ and Saura painting, known for its intricate geometric patterns depicting tribal life, have long been the identity of Odisha’s tribal communities. However, industrialisation and dwindling demand had pushed these crafts to the brink. Vedanta stepped in with a holistic vision — blending tradition with innovation.