A new bilingual publication documenting Odisha’s traditional Chandua craft and the knowledge, skills and labour of the artisans behind it was unveiled at the Odisha Research Centre in Bhubaneswar during the concluding session of the Odisha Craft Odyssey Symposium 2026.
Titled ‘Chandua: Canopies of Labour’, the book has been published in both Odia and English. The publication is the result of nearly nine months of extensive research covering artisan communities and Chandua-making practices across Odisha.
Research Covers 45 Artisan Clusters
The research team conducted field studies across 45 artisan clusters in different parts of the state.
As part of the documentation process, researchers interacted with more than 255 artisans, while also examining archival material and recording the personal experiences and life stories of craftspeople involved in the traditional art form.
The research aimed to look beyond the colourful and decorative appearance of Chandua and explore the human effort and traditional knowledge that sustain the craft.
Focus On Artisans’ Knowledge And Labour
‘Chandua: Canopies of Labour’ focuses on the various processes involved in Chandua-making, including the skills passed down through generations.
The publication records the experiences of artisans and highlights the labour, techniques, traditions and cultural practices associated with the craft.
By documenting these aspects, the book seeks to provide researchers and readers with a deeper understanding of Odisha’s traditional craft heritage.
The publication also aims to support efforts towards the preservation and documentation of indigenous craft knowledge.
Book Launched During Craft Odyssey Symposium
The book was unveiled during the concluding session of the Odisha Craft Odyssey Symposium 2026 at the Odisha Research Centre in Bhubaneswar.
The launch was attended by Vishal Kumar Dev, Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy, Electronics and Information Technology Department, as the Chief Guest.
Padma Bhushan awardee and designer Rajeev Sethi attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
Symposium Brings Experts Together
The Odisha Craft Odyssey Symposium 2026 featured discussions on various aspects of art, crafts, research and anthropology.
Several panel discussions provided a platform for experts and participants to examine Odisha’s traditional craft practices and their cultural significance.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of research and documentation in preserving traditional knowledge and ensuring that the contributions of artisans receive greater recognition.
Documenting Odisha’s Craft Heritage
The publication of ‘Chandua: Canopies of Labour’ adds to efforts to record Odisha’s diverse craft traditions through detailed research and field documentation.
By combining research with the lived experiences of more than 255 artisans across 45 clusters, the bilingual book presents Chandua not only as a traditional visual art form but also as a craft shaped by generations of knowledge, skill and labour.
