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Sohrai art, which has the recognition of GI tag, is considered the cultural heritage of Hazaribagh. Till now this art was mainly limited to rural areas, mud walls and caves, but now with the efforts of the Municipal Corporation, it is becoming a part of the city’s identity.
Hazaribagh: Hazaribagh’s more than 5000 years old folk art Sohrai is now emerging from the caves and village walls and making its mark on the streets of the city. The Municipal Corporation has started the initiative of carving Sohrai art on the walls to make the city attractive and culturally rich. Under the pilot project, the boundary wall of the Collectorate and Municipal Corporation office has been decorated with this traditional artwork.
Sohrai art, which has the recognition of GI tag, is considered the cultural heritage of Hazaribagh. Till now this art was mainly limited to rural areas, mud walls and caves, but now with the efforts of the Municipal Corporation, it is becoming a part of the city’s identity. The corporation administration says that it is necessary to make the people of Hazaribagh aware of their heritage, hence Sohrai paintings are being installed on the main walls of the city.
Hazaribagh Assistant Municipal Commissioner Vipin Kumar said that most of the people visit places like Collectorate and Municipal Corporation office, hence the pilot project has been started from these places only. With this, not only the local people but also the visitors from outside will be able to see this ancient art closely. In future, there is a plan to engrave Sohrai art on other walls of the city also.
Local artists are very excited about this initiative. Local artist Preet Raj said that it is a matter of pride to see his traditional art coming alive on the walls of the modern city. This is not just a painting, but the identity and history of Hazaribagh. Sohrai art mainly depicts wild animals and nature, which also gives the message of environmental protection.
Besides, he also said that it would be good if such artefacts are made on the boundary walls of the entire district and their regular maintenance is also done. This will ensure that this heritage remains safe for the coming generations. In the coming time, the walls of Hazaribagh will be seen completely painted in the colors of Sohrai art and people will be able to understand this thousands of years old art more closely.
