8th E-Auction of Mementos Received by PM: Showcasing Chhattisgarh's Dhokra Art and Tribal Heritage

The 8th e-auction of mementos received by the Prime Minister, organized by the Ministry of Culture, has brought the rich cultural saga of Chhattisgarh to life. The collection includes 16 mementos from the state, showcasing Chhattisgarh's ancient metal-casting traditions, tribal heritage, devotional art, and contemporary cultural identity.

The main attraction of this collection is the 4,000-year-old Dhokra art, a traditional Indian 'lost-wax' metal-casting craft. Prominent among the Dhokra art pieces included in the auction are statues of Nandi with an elephant head, standing Nandi, and figurines of Madia-Madin tribal couples. Additionally, the collection includes a traditional ritualistic turban adorned with a bunch of peacock feathers, cowrie shells, metal discs, and brass bells.

Reflecting various cultural influences, the collection features a stole from the Ramnami community covered with the 'Ram Ram' mantra. Furthermore, mementos representing important religious and cultural sites such as Hatkeshwar Mahadev, Budheshwar Mahadev, Jai Maa Kudargarhi, and Madheshwar Mahadev are also present.

Offering a glimpse of contemporary Chhattisgarh, the collection includes a woodcut strip depicting the 'Mahtari Vandan Yojana', a memento symbolizing the 'Silver Jubilee of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly', and models of institutions from 'Nava Raipur'.

The deadline for this e-auction has been extended to October 31, 2026. The entire amount raised from the auction will be used to support the 'Namami Gange Project'. Interested individuals can place their bids online through the official PM Mementos e-Auction Portal.