Pune: KJ’s Trinity College Of Architecture (TCOA) held a workshop on the occasion of International Bamboo Day on September 18 at Burud Ali, Mandai, Pune.
KJ Institute Founder Kalyan Jadhav, Managing Director Vibhavari Jadhav and TCOA Principal Gouri Desai encouraged students to hold this workshop.
“As an architect, it is important to have awareness of the city’s intangible art, craft, and natural heritage. The prospect of losing the art of bamboo and cane woven-ware looms large. So, it is necessary for the younger generation to understand this art and try and carry it forward,” said Jadhav.
Burud Ali is the lane of bamboo and cane workers (burud), and their woven-ware vary in shape, size and use. The craftsmen display their wares in front of their small houses. The people living in this lane were once a group of migrants that came to Pune in the 18th century from Satara, Ahmednagar and Karnataka. Everyone picked up this skill by observing their elders.
Somnath Pawar, one of the craftsmen, demonstrated and taught a few easy weaving patterns to the students. During the interaction, Pawar said, “Five generations of my family have stayed in the same house and have been part of these age-old techniques of this craft. My children are not so keen to pursue this profession. Although I am happy to teach them, the art of weaving can’t be forced.”
Jadhav added that in the world of plastic, the Buruds are still trying to whittle their own niche.
This workshop was conducted for the first year students of the TCOA, who were accompanied by Ar Sayali Ambekar, Ar Asma Sheikh, Ar Rahin Khan and Ar Rasika Uchgaonkar.
