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The Baiga, being a particularly vulnerable tribal community, mainly inhabit the central region of Chhattisgarh, inclusive of Kabirdham district, and this tribe has a very special traditional ornament: Biran Mala. This garland was handcrafted by Baiga women for decades and has a relevant cultural connotation. It may take about one to two days to prepare one Biran Mala. The Baiga women wear their hair adorned with 10 to 20 of these malas mainly during religious events, dances, and folk songs, and when going to visit relatives.
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The Baiga, being a particularly vulnerable tribal community, mainly inhabit the central region of Chhattisgarh, inclusive of Kabirdham district, and this tribe has a very special traditional ornament: Biran Mala. This garland was handcrafted by Baiga women for decades and has a relevant cultural connotation. It may take about one to two days to prepare one Biran Mala. The Baiga women wear their hair adorned with 10 to 20 of these malas mainly during religious events, dances, and folk songs, and when going to visit relatives.
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The Biran Mala is crafted from two types of grasses found in the local forests: Sutakhar grass or Muwa grass, along with thin veins extracted from the Khirsoad tree (or Parijat tree). If Khirsoad veins are unavailable, thin bamboo strips are used. The Sutakhar grass, which grows near Kodo millet fields and matures around November-December, is collected, dried, and then soaked in water to soften it before being carefully wrapped and tied around small rings made from the Khirsoad veins or bamboo.
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Muwa grass is used similarly when Sutakhar grass is scarce. Once completed, the Biran Mala is dipped in turmeric water, giving it a golden hue. Traditionally, Baiga women sing folk songs like Reena Dadariya and Bimla while making these malas. The Khirsoad tree and Sutakhar grass are also believed to possess medicinal properties, adding to the Biran Mala's importance as a symbol of peace and protection against misfortunes.
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