Gourd, also called ‘lauki’ in hindi is a common vegetable in Bastar. The ones with desired natural shapes are selected and dried in sunlight, as a result of which they turn brown in color. Darkness of the color also depends on how old is the gourd, the older the darker. Once dry enough, they are thoroughly washed using mud, which acts as a scrubber. Then again its dried under the sunlight and kept in water for 5-6 hours. By keeping it in water, its upper layer comes loose and is scrapped out using a knife. The back part is cut using a hot knife and the hollow part of it is cleared from inside. Designs are made on it with the pencil and etched with a hot knife. This process burns the surface and makes the pattern permanent. If bowls and food utensils are made, they are boiled first to remove the bitterness from it.
Tools and materials
Making of Ganpati wall hanging
Final Product
Planter in making
