Weaving a New Story of Self-Reliance with Chhind-Kansa Baskets

Over 100 Women from Kotanpani Revive Tradition and Build Livelihoods

Raipur : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, Chhattisgarh is empowering women through the Bihan rural livelihood mission by promoting self-reliance via self-help groups. One such success story is emerging from the tribal-dominated village of Kotanpani in Kansabel block, Jashpur district, where over 100 women are crafting a new identity through baskets made from chhind (dry date palm leaves) and kansa grass.

Women in Kotanpani have turned their traditional knowledge and craftsmanship into a source of income. These women create sturdy, eco-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing baskets that are in demand not only within the Jashpur district but also across Chhattisgarh and other Indian states. With support from the Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Board and the Bihan Mission, these traditional baskets have gained national recognition, transforming these artisans into what are now proudly called “Lakhpati Didis” — women earning over a lakh rupees annually.

Reviving a 30-Year-Old Tradition
Though this craft is now a growing enterprise, its roots trace back nearly 30 years. A young girl named Manmati from Kotanpani learned the basket-making craft at her maternal village, Pagurabahar (Farsabahar block), around 25 years ago. Upon returning to her native village, she began making baskets for personal use. Gradually, the craft spread to other women and began to be sold in local markets. In 2017, with the formation of self-help groups under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission, the traditional craft was institutionalized.

Initially, three SHGs—Hariyali, Gyan Ganga, and Geeta—started working on the baskets. The real breakthrough came in 2019 when the Chhattisgarh Handicrafts Board provided formal training and exposure. Women began showcasing their baskets at Bihan fairs, gaining wider recognition. Branded under Jashpyor, the baskets started receiving orders from across the country, leading to a surge in incomes.

A Product Rich in Nature and Culture
Made from chhind (dried date palm leaves) and kansa grass, the baskets are not only environmentally friendly but also culturally significant in Jashpur’s tribal society. They are widely used during weddings, religious rituals, and festivals like Chhath Puja. While chhind leaves are available year-round, kansa is collected during the monsoon months (Sawan-Bhado) and stored for use. In basket weaving, chhind leaves are wrapped around kansa grass to create durable and artistically shaped baskets. These are used for carrying puja items, fruits, or as decorative gift baskets.

A Strong Livelihood Option for Women
Today, the women of Kotanpani not only collect raw materials themselves but also sell them at ₹150 per kilogram. Over 15 groups in the district have taken up this activity, providing sustainable livelihoods to more than 100 women. Through a blend of traditional knowledge, collective effort, and government support, this humble basket has now become a symbol of empowerment and recognition for rural women artisans in Chhattisgarh.