Day 4: Hotel Raviz to Sargaalaya to Uru Wooden Ship
After day 3, a luxury hotel stays in the Raviz hotel at Kozhikode, Kerala we Started our journey to sargaalaya International Arts and crafts museums. The first impression after reaching the place was, why God has given everything here only. But frankly speaking, when we met CEO of the museum, we were amazed to see how they are handling poor artisans and their art which is gonna die, if not trained to the newer generation. But these local are not so rich that they can go to the city and sell their products, so this museum is giving these artists and artisans to market their products to tourists who come and buy some stuff for them.
Let me take you to the history of this museum. There are around 107 artisans who are working and making handicrafts for museums to sell under museums. They get their salary or stipend.
They train widows or poor lady who is also bread runner of family. This is a real craft village, where 240 women work day and night so that they can make their own handicrafts and sell in markets during the exhibition. The exhibition is on from 10 am to 6 pm. Indias best museum which is responsible tourism under state government of Kerala, they are trying to save dying art by teaching the new generation the traditional technic of handicrafts.
We met world best artisan who makes the mat with traditional machines. We also met Mr Arun who can’t speak but has been awarded as the best artisan for Clay portrait, he has made more than 2000 design in his life. We also met students who are trying to save this art from a local village. The museum is doing a great job by giving the platform to seek their products in their museum. A must visit for every traveller and handicraft lover.
After finishing sadhya at sargaalaya museum, we went to a place where Uru i.e wooden ships are made.
Generally when we hear the world handy craft, what comes to over mind is the small idols, toys or sculptures made of stone, sand or wooden material. But have you ever heard that big wooden ships are also made in India? It is the biggest handy craft not only in India but also of the whole world.
So here is the story of a wooden ship making in India. Wooden Ship or Uru as it called is connected with the traditional shipbuilding culture of Kerala and the art and science of making these ships came from the Arab world many years ago.
Centuries ago, Arab traders traced their way to much sought after Kerala spices.
And after coming to know about the availability of good timber in the Kerala region skilled low-cost skilled labours, they began to place orders for the ship. Beypore in Kozhikode district of Kerala is the major centre for making urus in Kerala.
After visiting beypore we visited Thrissur and check in the hotel Joys Palace
Nowadays these ships are made on orders from Gulf countries like Qatar, U.A.E. As discussed with a manager it takes almost 2 years to complete the one ship. The main engine is procured from Japan. The normal size is 150 by 23 ft. It’s approx.
price is 15cr, It has the capacity of carrying 25000 litres of water and 20000 litres of diesel. These ships are made on specific request. The view of ship reminds us the old stories of Arabian nights.
This is how our day #4 Ended.
On day 5 & 6 on #GoKerala Tour, we visited the famous Bahubali Fame Athirapilly Falls, Muziris Heritage Project, Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum & many more.
1 Comment
Very nice! Nice information 😊😊