RAIPUR: With a mission of reviving extinct Bamboo art of tribal Bastar region and providing local young artisans with employment opportunities, a social work professional of Jagdalpur has initiated a project of making Chhattisgarh’s first bamboo cycle "Bambooka".
Not just bamboo art, three other prominent arts and crafts of Bastar including Shishal, iron and Dhokra are used to manufacture this indigenous product to make it one of its kind in the world.
This is the first commercial line bicycle in Chhattisgarh and fourth in India. Md Asif Khan, who has bought this concept in Chhattisgarh, told TOI: "The concept of our bamboo cycle is unique in the whole world as we have prepared a B1 prototype bi-cycle with fusion of four different art forms of Bastar. The seat cover is made using Shishal art while the mudguard has been handcrafted with wrought iron craft. The alloy design is done with brass to give it a premium look."
"The uniqueness of these cycles is they can be custom-built to suit every individual’s unique body type for maximum speed and comfort. Tyre type, height of the cycle and body frame, all can be customized as per the body type and needs of the buyer. The cycle weighs around just 8.5 kgs and can take up to 100 kgs of weight—tried and tested", said Asif.
Bambooka has been launched through the platform of National Tribal Festival and Rajyotsava 2021 concluded recently in Raipur. The custom built bamboo bicycles wooed the visitors coming at the fest with curious crowd gathering around the spot seeking information about this new concept.
Speaking about his journey of making this handcrafted cycle, Asif said: "I started with just one artisan and after a year of hard work and dedication we were successful in making the framework of this bicycle. It takes around 20 days to make this bicycle. We will pool in more young talents in this initiative after getting orders."
Meanwhile, the team is also providing opportunities to the local fine-art artists on conceptual wall art painting, interior designing and paintings with a goal to create an open platform where our local tribal artisans and other artist skills can be enhanced and get an opportunity to showcase his work to the whole world.
