Handcrafted By Women: Exploring Pashupakshee's Souvenirs at Kanha National Park

By Outlook Traveller
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PashooPakshee's handcrafted souvenirs are an ode to Kanha and the communities that call it home

If you're at Kanha National Park, there is a good chance that your resort or hotel has a souvenir store with vibrant door hangings, bag charms, bookmarks, trinkets - all bearing colourful animal and bird prints. These are lovingly handcrafted by the women at PashooPakshee, an organisation that works with local, marginalised communities living in wildlife conflict areas. 

As the name suggests, all PashooPakshee creations draw inspiration from inhabitants of the wild: tigers, deer, monkeys, butterflies, owls and a host of other birds and animals. These souvenirs and accessories emphasise the deep connection between human beings and nature, and the sense of well-being that comes from staying close to one's roots.

Wild at heart

On a weekend at Kanha, we visited the workshop that brings to life the many products that we had noticed on display throughout our trip. It is a quaint little mud cottage at The Corbett Foundation. The interior, bursting with vibrant colour pops, is in sharp contrast to the sober exterior of the cottage. Inside, Indrakala, Sanju and Sandhya, three enterprising women from the local communities, are busy stringing together wall hangings. It is a skill they have picked up from the trainers at PashooPakshee. Reflective of their own individual ecosystem, these products facilitate sustainable livelihoods for forest communities.

Being natural

The products are crafted with natural materials such as cloth, clay, wood and paper, and bear an earthy imprint, true to the nature of its creators. They make for thoughtful and conscious gifts and souvenirs, while also supporting local craftsmanship. Be it a fridge magnet or a figurine in the garden, the world of Pashoo Pakshee makes for beautiful memories of a fine jungle trip.

The Information

How to get there: The closest airport to this part of Kanha is Jabalpur (131km), about four hours away. The closest railway station is Gondia Junction, 125km away.

Best time to visit: The centre is open all year, but October to March is when Kanha is at its best.

Address: Corbett Foundation, Infinity Resort, Baherakhar village near Baihar, P.O. Nikkum, Balaghat, Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh

Timing: 11am to 4pm; closed on Tuesdays

Contact: +91-9650193664 (Infinity Resort)

There are many other similar ways of experiencing Madhya Pradesh's idyllic, artistic charms. Here are a few experiences to consider: 

Madla Craft Centre

In 2021, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board joined hands with PashooPakshee, an online store, to set up a sustainable, craft-based centre to provide local employment and to give travellers a chance to pick up wonderful souvenirs and meet the artisans who make them. You can also try your hand at making your own tote bags and stickers at the Craft Your Souvenir workshop (45 minutes, group size 2 to 16) along with the artisans, who belong to the forest communities of Panna.

How to get there: The closest airport is at Khajuraho (22km), and the railway station for Madla Gate of Panna National Park is also at Khajuraho.

Address: Responsible Souvenir Centre, NH39, Panna Khajuraho Road, Panna

Timing: 11am to 4pm; closed on Mondays

Contact: +91-9343425688 

Art Ichol

Close to the legendary musical town of Maihar, Art Ichol in Ichol village is set in four acres of green. It is an abode of art, open to artists from across the world. They come here for residencies and workshops. But you don't have to be an artist to be able to visit Art Ichol. It welcomes everyone. 

How to get there: Khajuraho (120km) and Jabalpur (160km) are the closes airports. Maihar, just 8 km away, is the closest  railway station.

Address: Art Ichol, Khajuraho-Bandhavgarh Highway, Ichol Village, near Maihar, 

Madhya Pradesh

Cost: `7,000 onwards

Contact: +91 8349449999; Website: www.artichol.in

Source URL: https://www.outlookindia.com/traveller/mp/wellness/read/forest-essentials/