PATNA: The state tourism department has decided to promote 'village tourism' in the remote areas of Bihar
by developing some of the villages rich in arts and crafts to attract
tourists, especially foreigners, who want to spend some time among rural
folks to know more about their traditions and skills.
In the first phase, the department has identified 10 such villages. "The main idea is to create proper ambience in these villages for visiting tourists who want to spend a night there. We want the tourists to see the process of making of traditional crafts in a village environment," said a tourist department official.
The concept has been christened as 'homestay'. "We have received strong feedback from tourists, mostly foreigners, who are inclined to see the process of making traditional local handicrafts in the village itself. So, we have identified a few villages known for their rich traditional arts and crafts," the official said.
The department would also pay half the amount of the project or Rs 4 lakh, whichever is the maximum, to the villagers interested in developing their houses as per the requirements mentioned by the department. Those villagers would also get rent from the tourists for subletting their dwellings.
"The main focus would be on hygiene and cleanliness," said an official. The project is likely to be placed before the cabinet soon.
Some of identified villages are Baswanbigha and Nepura in Nalanda, Ranti and Jitwarpur in Madhubani, and Tehta in Jehanabad and Patharkatti in Gaya.
Baswanbigha is known for 'Bawanbuti' sari. It was in this region where the Bawanbuti tradition of sari weaving thrived. There was a time when the weavers of Baswanbigha supplied beautiful handmade curtains and fabrics to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Nepura, 12km from Rajgir, is locally popular for 'Tussar' silk. Pit loom 'Tussar' weaving and thigh-reeling are the major craft techniques, which are traditionally practised by the Tanti community. The primary raw material used is the Tussar cocoon. Nepura has all the elements to develop it as a cottage industry hub. The weavers produce myriad designs of fine fabric, tailored by trained women.
Patharkatti has as many as 3000 people engaged in making sculptures. Traditionally, the work was limited to the Gaud Brahmins who migrated from Rajasthan on the invitation of Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Some 400 years ago, the 1300 Gaud Brahmins built the famous Vishnupad temple in Gaya. Most of the families stayed back and continued with sculpture-making from local stones.
Ranti and Jitwarpur are widely known as the birthplaces of famous Mithila paintings. These two villages still have so many Mithila painters. Some of them have received prestigious Padma awards.
In the first phase, the department has identified 10 such villages. "The main idea is to create proper ambience in these villages for visiting tourists who want to spend a night there. We want the tourists to see the process of making of traditional crafts in a village environment," said a tourist department official.
The concept has been christened as 'homestay'. "We have received strong feedback from tourists, mostly foreigners, who are inclined to see the process of making traditional local handicrafts in the village itself. So, we have identified a few villages known for their rich traditional arts and crafts," the official said.
The department would also pay half the amount of the project or Rs 4 lakh, whichever is the maximum, to the villagers interested in developing their houses as per the requirements mentioned by the department. Those villagers would also get rent from the tourists for subletting their dwellings.
"The main focus would be on hygiene and cleanliness," said an official. The project is likely to be placed before the cabinet soon.
Some of identified villages are Baswanbigha and Nepura in Nalanda, Ranti and Jitwarpur in Madhubani, and Tehta in Jehanabad and Patharkatti in Gaya.
Baswanbigha is known for 'Bawanbuti' sari. It was in this region where the Bawanbuti tradition of sari weaving thrived. There was a time when the weavers of Baswanbigha supplied beautiful handmade curtains and fabrics to Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Nepura, 12km from Rajgir, is locally popular for 'Tussar' silk. Pit loom 'Tussar' weaving and thigh-reeling are the major craft techniques, which are traditionally practised by the Tanti community. The primary raw material used is the Tussar cocoon. Nepura has all the elements to develop it as a cottage industry hub. The weavers produce myriad designs of fine fabric, tailored by trained women.
Patharkatti has as many as 3000 people engaged in making sculptures. Traditionally, the work was limited to the Gaud Brahmins who migrated from Rajasthan on the invitation of Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Some 400 years ago, the 1300 Gaud Brahmins built the famous Vishnupad temple in Gaya. Most of the families stayed back and continued with sculpture-making from local stones.
Ranti and Jitwarpur are widely known as the birthplaces of famous Mithila paintings. These two villages still have so many Mithila painters. Some of them have received prestigious Padma awards.
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