With the onset of summer vacation and a strong urge to escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, my family and I decided on a weekend getaway to Mahabaleshwar. The road trip from Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar is a scenic retreat, popular among tourists, and can easily be covered in a day. The thought of a road trip filled me with extreme joy, but I was especially excited about visiting Panchgani to explore Devrai Art Village.
I first heard about this unique art village from a friend who, like me, is an art enthusiast. Devrai Art Village, located in Panchgani, is a one-of-a-kind artistic hub that showcases and promotes traditional art forms, including tribal and indigenous crafts. They are pioneers in "Rock Dhokra" crafts, making it a fascinating place to learn about Dhokra Craft and its various evolved forms
Like me, if you're also looking for a serene weekend getaway that combines nature, art, and culture, Devrai Art Village in Panchgani, Maharashtra, is the perfect destination.
TABLE OF CONTENT:
Discovering Rock Dhokra Craft
Before diving into the details of our trip, let's take a moment to appreciate the artistry that makes Devrai Art Village so special. Rock Dhokra is a distinctive form of tribal art that blends traditional lost-wax metal casting with natural stone. This innovative craft, which originated here, involves carving intricate designs into stone and then complementing them with brass elements. The result is a striking fusion of metal and rock that tells stories of heritage, culture, and creativity.
Scenic Drive to Panchgani
Our weekend journey began with a scenic drive from Pune to Panchgani, a hill station renowned for its lush landscapes and breathtaking viewpoints. The winding roads, framed by verdant hills and valleys, set the perfect tone for the adventure ahead. After a leisurely three-hour drive, we arrived at Devrai Art Village, welcomed by the cool, crisp mountain air.
A Warm Welcome and Introduction to Devrai Art Village
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the friendly founder of Devrai, Ms Mandakini Mathur. The Devrai Art Village is an NGO that works with adivasi craftsmen to connect with nature and celebrate creativity within their artistry. They produce art suited to contemporary tastes but using traditional means. This place gives unique opportunities to designers and makers to collaborate and innovate. The craftsmen manage and sell their products directly without any middlemen to the tourists who come to Panchgani. The mission for Devrai came into existence when a group of friends from diverse fields came together on this project. Each one contributing in his or her unique way, supporting the idea of creating a space for tribal arts and crafts. Under the guidance of Suresh Pungati, a decorated adivasi craftsman from the Madia tribe, five highly skilled adivasi craftsmen and artists from the naxalite affected areas in Gadchiroli and Chattisgarh found a livelihood and a safe haven in Panchgani.
Our first stop was a guided tour of the art gallery, where we observed the unique and distinctive styles of their product range. The craft style is innovative, combining various mediums such as iron, brass, stone, wood, bamboo, and fabric. The diverse array of crafts includes home decor, fashion accessories, and kitchenware, making the gallery a true testament to the idea that art knows no boundaries.
Our next stop was the Rock Dhokra workshop. I was honored to meet the adivasi craftsmen, see their work and watch their creative process. It was an enlightening experience for us as this is one of the most unique craft forms that's derived from ancient lost wax technique of Dhokra.
The Devrai Rock Dhokra Process
Uniqueness of Devrai Rock Dhokra Craft lies in the innovation of ancient lost wax casting technique, Let's understand the step by step process of creating unique pieces of craft called "Rock Dhokra"
Step 1: Wax Work on stone
An appropriate stone is chosen and designs are made on it using wax. The artists visualize a form based on the natural shape of the stone.
Step 2: First and Second Layer of Clay
The wax work is covered with a fine clay paste and left to dry. It is then covered with a thicker layer of clay, mixed with rice husk and cow dung.
Step 3: Casting
Molten Brass is poured into the red hot moulds that have been taken out from the klin. The wax is replaced by molten metal.
Step 4: Breaking the Moulds
The mud moulds are broken to reveal the final artefacts cast in brass. This is the "ah" moment full of suspense and wonder!
Exploring Panchgani
After the workshop, we set out to explore more of Panchgani. A visit to the bustling local market gave us a taste of the region's vibrant culture and an opportunity to pick up some souvenirs. We also stopped by the famous Mapro Garden to enjoy fresh strawberry treats and cool milkshakes, a specialty of the area.
Final Thoughts
Devrai Art Village is not just a destination; it's an experience that connects you with the soul of Indian craftsmanship and the serene beauty of Panchgani. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a meaningful escape, a weekend at Devrai will leave you rejuvenated and inspired. If you haven't yet, plan your trip to this hidden gem and discover the magic of Rock Dhokra and the incredible artists behind it.
Explore our section "Craftique Excursion" to know more about a exquisite craft tour to Devrai Art Village.
About the Author of this Blog
The author of this blog is Indira Tanwar, a resourceful contributor for Craftique Hub; a digital creator and an avid art and travel enthusiast. As a knowledge management professional and successful vlogger, she captivates her audience with insightful blogs on art, craft, home décor, and DIY projects.
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