Chhattisgarhi art will echo in Vigyan Bhawan, Hirabai Jhareka Baghel will receive honor from the President

Hirabai Jhareka Baghel, an expert in Dhokra bellmetal art, has been learning this traditional art from her father and husband since childhood. Today this heritage of Baigindih village is reaching the national stage through his hands. The metal statues made by him are appreciated across the country for their fine work and artistic expression.

A glimpse of the traditional ‘Lost Wax Technique’ is clearly visible in the works made by Hirabai. This technique of preparing a wax figure, applying a layer of clay and then casting metal is centuries old. A wonderful combination of hard work, accuracy and cultural depth is visible in each of his creations.

Hirabai Baghel was honored by Chhattisgarh government in the year 2011-12. Her husband Minketan Baghel was also awarded for Dhokra art by the state government in 2006-07. Now the National Handicraft Award received from the country’s President Draupadi Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan will give a new milestone to his art journey.

Hirabai always says that her father Bhulau Jhareka and her husband were her biggest gurus and inspirations. The art learned from him has taken him to the national level today. Dhokra bellmetal craft has been a tradition of his family for generations, which he has kept alive even in modern times.

His selection in Handicraft Award 2025 is a matter of pride for the entire Chhattisgarh. This felicitation ceremony to be held at Vigyan Bhawan will not only give recognition to his art at the national level, but will also bring Dhokra craft as inspiration to the new generation. This achievement of Hirabai remains a source of enthusiasm for the craft community of the entire state.