Economic Support from the Mahatari Vandan Scheme Boosts Bastar's Tradition and Women's Self-Reliance

Rairpur, the Mahatari Vandan Scheme is not only providing financial assistance to women but also giving new energy to their traditional livelihoods and local culture. In the Bastar region of the state, an inspiring example was seen where Mrs. Chanda of Manjiguda village in Jagdalpur development block, Bastar district, used the amount received from the scheme for the construction of traditional tupki used in the Goncha festival. This is expected to increase her family’s income and also help convey Bastar’s cultural heritage to the next generation. Bastar’s famous Goncha festival is a symbol of religious faith, folk tradition and cultural identity. During the festival preparations, Chanda together with her husband Mr. Chigdu and other family members is preparing a large number of tupkis. During the Goncha festival, there is a special demand for these tupkis, which provides additional income to the family and strengthens their financial situation. Tupki is a traditional Bastar instrument made of bamboo, which uses the seeds (pengu) of the malwani tree to produce a gun‑like sound. Devotees salute the Lord Jagannath’s chariot procession with this tupki. This tradition has been an integral part of Bastar’s cultural identity for years and continues to be performed with enthusiasm and devotion. Mrs. Chanda says that the monthly amount received from the Mahatari Vandan Scheme has given her economic confidence. With this assistance she purchased bamboo and other materials needed for tupki construction. Now the whole family is engaged in this work and expects good earnings during the Goncha festival. She says that the Mahatari Vandan Scheme offers women not only financial support but also an opportunity to become self‑reliant and link their traditional art and skills with livelihood. This is increasing family income and preserving Bastar’s rich cultural heritage. It is noteworthy that since the start of the scheme, more than Rs 18,805 crore has been directly transferred to women’s accounts through 29 installments. Prioritizing women’s economic empowerment, the state government has allocated Rs 8,200 crore for the scheme in the 2026‑27 budget.