Business time for Odisha bamboo artisans ahead of elections

BHUBANESWAR: With elections round the corner it’s not only a hectic time for politicians, but bamboo craftsmen of Odisha as well. These bamboo craftsmen are raking in the moolah with their hands full with orders from political parties. These families, who otherwise make bamboo baskets and other home and kitchen items during rest of the year, are busy making bamboo sticks, poles, flags holders, frames and decorations.

Around 100 families in different city slums have set their eyes on the election jamboree from which they are planning to earn a significant amount. For every foot of bamboo stick, they charge Rs 3 to 5 and each member of a family is earning around Rs 1500 to Rs 3000 per day.


The craftsmen said they have started work for the last 15 days and almost all political parties have given them huge orders of flag holders to string party flags and banners of different sizes.

“The orders have started pouring in and will reach the peak once candidate names are announced and polling dates come closer. Elections come once in five years and we got an opportunity to earn some big money. All in the family starting from children to elders are engaged in this work and we hardly do other works,” said Santhilata, a 38-year-old housemaid in Unit-6 area. She said she is planning to take one week leave when the work load will increase.


Apart from flag holders, the political parties also place order for party symbols made of bamboo. The craftsmen said they will also make lotus, hand and conch symbol in bamboo while there are also orders for frames to hold life size flex-posters of candidates and leaders.

“The campaigning is yet to start, besides, during the visit of national and big leaders we get overburdened by work. But we never say no to anyone. Apart from party leaders many individual candidates also play order,” said Madhav Rao, another craftsman, who has been doing bamboo work for more than 30 years now.