The Ministry of Culture has launched an auction of 16 cultural mementos from Chhattisgarh as part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav initiative. The collection showcases the state's rich cultural heritage, featuring ancient metal-casting traditions including Dhokra craft with over 4,000 years of history in India. Specific artifacts include an Elephant Head Nandi, Standing Nandi, and Madia-Madin Tribal Couple Bust, along with traditional ceremonial headgear featuring peacock feathers, cowrie shells, metallic discs, and brass bells.
The collection also includes religious and cultural items such as a Ramnami Samaj chanting stole covered with repeated inscriptions of "Ram Ram," and representations of important landmarks including Hatkeshwar Mahadev, Budeshwar Mahadev, Jai Maa Kudargadi, and Madheshwar Mahadev. Contemporary pieces include a woodcut panel depicting the Mahtari Vandan Yojana, a memento marking the Rajat Jayanti of the Chhattisgarh Vidhan Sabha, and models representing institutions in Nava Raipur.
The auction has been extended until October 31, 2026, and proceeds will support the Namami Gange Project. Bidding is conducted through the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal at https://pmmementos.gov.in, allowing public participation in preserving cultural heritage while funding environmental cleanup efforts.