Shilp Unnati Samaroh: A celebration of craft, community and culture.

“Koshta ke mantha 

Khatar khatar,

Koshtim dai ke buta lakar lakar 

Rahtala tare rahibe dokri dai go

Mudima kalsa bohoke nikla hai wo 

Aaj devi bane hain kunwari noni man

Parmeshwari dai khul khul hansat hai”

These lyrics from the folk song presented at the Shilp Unnati Samaroh this year perfectly encapsulates the Kosa weaving and its cultural and spiritual relevance to the Dewangan Community. Held at the intersection of the financial year-end and the vibrant Holi festival in the month of Phagun, the Shilp Unnati Samaroh is a cherished annual event celebrating the Kosa silk artisans who keep Chhattisgarh’s rich heritage alive. This year, the event took place on March 12 in Champa, the heart of Kosala’s artisan community, bringing together the entire Kosala team, artisans, their families, and our partners.

A key highlight was the felicitation of the second cohort of the prestigious Kosala Bhushan Award, presented under the Kosala Artisan Shilp Unnati Yojana. This year’s honorees were:

• Shri Negilal Dewangan

• Shri Manoj Dewangan

• Shri Sachchidanand Dewangan

More than an honor, this award acknowledges the artisans’ exceptional skills, discipline and dedication, offering them visibility, social security benefits, and annual financial incentives, paving the way for greater opportunities. It is due to the Kosala Bhushan Award, that more weavers are now focused on quality, craftsmanship and design intricacy in every inch they weave. 

Beyond celebration and recognition, this year’s event marked a significant step towards securing the future of artisans and their families. Kosala facilitated the enrollment of 30 weavers and cluster team members with Group Life Insurance (जीवन बीमा) policy, ensuring financial stability and peace of mind. This initiative provides a crucial safety net, protecting artisans and their families against uncertainties.

Addressing the media, Amritlal Dewangan, a proud Kosala Bhushan awardee, shared his journey:

“For generations, middlemen exploited us weavers, nearly destroying our craft with fake and low-quality materials. But after joining Kosala, everything changed for the better. We now receive numerous benefits, and last year, I was honored with the Kosala Bhushan award. Beyond the recognition, I gained financial incentives and invaluable support, which give me hope for the future.”

At Kosala, recognition goes beyond mere felicitation. The team personally delivers financial incentive cheques to the weavers at their homes at the end of the financial year, ensuring direct and meaningful support.

Recounting its impact, Umesh Dewangan, another Kosala Bhushan recipient, said:

“The Kosala Bhushan incentive last year was life-changing. It arrived at my doorstep during a critical medical emergency, and I couldn’t have been more grateful. More than just financial aid, it was a recognition of my skill and the passion I pour into every intricate design I weave.”

For generations, the Dewangan Kosa weavers have faced extreme economic instability due to middlemen exploitation. Kosala is changing this by integrating artisans into formal financial systems, providing skill development, and extending meaningful support. Because tradition alone cannot sustain livelihoods—opportunity must meet heritage.

With a clear vision for the future, Kosala we remain steadfast in empowering artisans, celebrating their craftsmanship, and ensuring their well-being. By empowering artisans today, we are safeguarding the cultural legacy of tomorrow.