Khirendra who hails from the strife-ridden ‘red corridor’ region of Bastar is an eccentric renaissance man. He is sculptor, a painter, a street theater artiste and an ex- football player for his district. He is a long distance runner by passion and claims impressive distances and impressive speeds. He is a dalit. The oppression that he experienced and witnessed while…

Khirendra Yadav

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Bastar, in Chattisgarh State, India, is well known for their tribal population, and their unique, distinctive cultural heritage. In this area, the tradition of playing Madar has been going on since time immemorial. And even today, the tribals here use it in public programs like marriage, Teej festival and worship rituals etc.

This musical instrument is made of the wood from Khamar (Gmelina arborea) trees. When they go to the jungle to cut this Khamar tree, they offer prayer to their deity prior to cutting. They give this wood a specific shape - a cylindrical body with a slight bulge at its centre and heads at both ends, one head larger than the other. They cover both its ends with the skin of dead bulls and instead of regular jute ropes, they make ropes from the bull's skin. After the Madar is made, they paste a special Mandiya flour on the skins to make the sound wholesome and sweet. 

These Madar bands or troupes, composed of Drum Players and dancers have represented Chattisgarh in many national and international programs and are permanent performers at the Rajpath, New Delhi for Republic and Independence Day celebrations.

Please share this video to encourage the indigenous people to keep their traditions alive.