Kanaklata Das Engaged in Full Swing for Crafting Jaukandhei Marriage Tableau

Baleswar, 8/5 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty):
As the traditional Jaukandhei Marriage Festival of Baleswar approaches with its usual grandeur, noted Jaukandhei artisan Kanaklata Das is immersed in the construction of this year’s ceremonial tableau. Every year, this unique folk celebration draws attention for its vibrant depiction of rural wedding traditions, and this year’s edition promises to be even more artistically elaborate under her guidance.

Kanaklata Das, recipient of the Government’s Kalakruti Award, is bringing to life a vivid and culturally rich Jaukandhei marriage procession. Her creations intricately portray scenes like the palanquin-borne bride and groom, tribal dances, brass puppet performances, neighborhood parades, drums, and spirited dances by both the groom’s and bride’s parties—all crafted in distinctive folk-art style.

Trained under the late guru Sabitri Nandi in traditional Jaukandhei craftsmanship, and having enhanced her skills under artist Kesu Das, Kanaklata hails from Koshamba near Remuna. She has not only mastered the form but also empowered over 150 women by training them in this folk craft, helping them become financially independent.

Over the years, she has been honored by numerous organizations including Jnanshree NGO, the Jaukandhei Marriage Festival Committee, Sambad, Prameya, dance troupes, BJP Mahila Morcha, and the Baleswar Municipality. Her efforts have breathed new life into a fading art form, infusing innovation through continual experimentation.

Notably, one of her handcrafted Jaukandhei artworks was printed on a postcard by India Post during World Postcard Day 2020. She also presented a Jaukandhei tableau of the Rath Yatra to then-Governor of Odisha, Professor Ganeshi Lal. A 5-foot-tall Jaukandhei wedding tableau made with her collaboration is permanently housed at the Odia Art Museum near Chilika. Other museums such as the Odisha State Museum and Kalabhumi Museum have also acquired her works.

Kanaklata Das has added new dimensions to the tradition by blending Jaukandhei with depictions of birds, deities, household items, and decorative elements. This fusion with other handicrafts has elevated the genre into a valued art form. Her celebrated tableaux—Jaukandhei Marriage Procession, Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, and The Ten Avatars—stand as glowing examples of artistic excellence.