BHUBANESWAR: Mangalajodi, an ancient village in Khordha, is not just famous for its Bird sanctuary. It also has a robust boat building factory.
At least 40 groups of people living in Maharana Sahi at the village make boats for a living. Bijay Kumar Maharana, one such boat builder, is following this avocation for the past four generations. Orissa Post interacted with some of these unique workers to delve deeper into the subject.
Maharana said, “I learned boat building from my father Banambar Maharana, who had learnt the craft from his father. There is no season for boat making as such. However, we face scarcity of work in the rainy season. I usually build boats from Sal wood, which is procured from Cuttack’s Chouwduar saw mill. Average boats range from 24 inches to 62 inches in size. It takes 130 different pieces of wood to make a big boat. Usually, the deadline to build an average boat is 15 days.
On being questioned whether the unique art of boat making can be learnt and applied, he replied with an emphatic no. “It’s a unique art which is deeply established in the roots of Maharana society. People flock round the year to witness boat building craftsmanship. Some of the tourists’ have even offered money to learn it. However, this is something which is strictly not for sale.”
According to the descriptions of Maharana, a part named ‘Danda’ is the basic foundation of a boat. ‘Dashi’ is installed in either side of the boat to provide support. Jeebha is an extra portion which is used as a support system for the boat. Two ‘Bedhas’ are installed on the upper sides of boat. A ‘Baunti’ is installed over the Bedha. The rear of the boat is known as ‘Kari Manga’, where a motor engine is installed in case of motor boats. ‘Manga’ is installed at the front of the boat. Goddess Kalijai worshipped in this part to keep the travellers as well as boatmen safe and sound during the numerous journeys through Chilika.
On being enquired about multiple mishaps in boat rides, Maharana said, “The Chanchi Akhadi is a pattern or safety valve which is installed inside the boat. However, failure to install it makes the boat vulnerable to such mishaps. Another significant issue is the balance of the boat. If excessive passengers are carried in a boat, it is prone to catastrophic incidents.
Other boat builders Kalucharan, Sarat and Prasanna said, “We don’t work on Sankrantis as we worship Lord Biswakarma on that day. Fishermen, Eco Tourism department officials place many orders. We carry out those orders to the best of our ability and knowledge. We have an association called Kuhudi Chhagada, which was established 60 years ago.
Bijay kumar Maharana has 20 craftsmen employed under him. The group make the biggest ferries in Odisha. Their primary grievance is that no government aid is earmarked for them.
Chaitali Shome, OP