Using the money received from Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a woman from Bastar started making traditional Tupki for Goncha festival. Along with increasing income, cultural preservation is also being promoted.
Raipur. Mahtari Vandan Yojana of Chhattisgarh Government is not limited to just providing financial assistance to women, but it is also giving them an opportunity to become self-reliant as well as strengthen their traditional livelihoods. An inspiring example of this has come to light from Bastar division. Here, Mrs. Chanda, resident of village Manjhiguda of Jagdalpur development block, has used the amount received from the scheme to make traditional Tupki used in Goncha festival. This is expected to increase the income of his family and will also help in passing on the cultural heritage of Bastar to the new generation.
Bastar Goncha Festival: The whole family is busy preparing for Goncha festival.
The famous Goncha festival of Bastar is considered an important festival of religious faith, folk traditions and cultural identity of the region. Preparations for the festival are going on in full swing. In such a situation, Mrs. Chanda along with her husband Mr. Chigdu and other family members is preparing a large number of Tupki. The demand for Tupki increases significantly during the Goncha festival. In such a situation, the family is expected to get additional income from this, which will make their financial condition stronger than before.
Traditional Tupki: What is Tupki and why is it special?
Tupki is a traditional instrument of Bastar made from bamboo. In this, the seeds of Malagni tree, which are called Pengu in the local language, are used. With the help of these seeds, a sound like a gun comes out from the spout. During the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, devotees give the traditional salute with this Tupki. This tradition has been an important part of the cultural identity of Bastar for many years and is still performed with full enthusiasm and devotion even today.
Mahatari Vandan Scheme: Materials purchased from scheme funds, now earnings will increase
Mrs. Chanda says that the financial assistance received every month under Mahtari Vandan Yojana gave her new confidence. With this amount he bought bamboo and other necessary materials to make Tupki. Now the whole family is preparing Tupki together. They hope that there will be good sales during the Goncha festival, which will significantly increase the family’s income.
Women Empowerment: Along with economic empowerment, cultural preservation also
Mrs. Chanda says that Mahtari Vandan Yojana is not only a scheme to provide financial assistance to women, but it is also providing them an opportunity to become self-reliant and connect their traditional art and skills with livelihood. On one hand, this initiative is increasing the income of women and on the other hand it is also helping in preserving the rich cultural heritage of Bastar.
Mahatari Vandan Yojana Update: More than Rs 18,805 crore has reached the accounts of women so far
According to the state government, since the inception of Mahtari Vandan Yojana, an amount of more than Rs 18 thousand 805 crore has been directly transferred to the bank accounts of women through 29 installments. Giving priority to the economic empowerment of women, the state government has also made a provision of Rs 8,200 crore for this scheme in the budget for the financial year 2026-27.