In the picturesque settlement of Chukkalapadu, nestled within the Alluri Sitarama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh, the Muria tribe maintains a timeless custom that embodies the essence of parental love and cultural heritage. For generations, Muria fathers have crafted bamboo cradles, known as “vookadas,” for their newborn children, a tradition that transcends time and holds profound significance within the community.
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Kovvasi Chukkayya, a 40-year-old Muria tribal farmer, proudly displays two intricately woven baskets—one for each of his children. Each cradle, meticulously crafted from bamboo gathered from the forest, serves as a tangible symbol of paternal devotion and familial legacy. “It is portable and can be taken into the forest when we go to work,” Mr. Chukkayya explains, underscoring the practicality and sentimentality of the tradition.
The process of creating a vookada is more than just a manual task; it is a rite of passage for Muria fathers, symbolizing their commitment to nurturing and protecting their offspring. According to Muria custom, the father must venture into the forest alone, select the finest bamboo, and skillfully weave the cradle with his own hands, without any external assistance.
Ravva Masamma, a mother of two, reflects on the significance of the vookada in Muria culture. “We put the baby in the cradle during the entire lactating period,” she explains. As children grow, they develop a profound attachment to their cradle, understanding it as a cherished gift from their father. The cradle, adorned with long ropes, can be hung from tree branches or within the family hut, serving as both a practical sleeping space and a cherished heirloom.
For the Muria tribe, the vookada transcends mere functionality; it embodies cultural identity and familial lineage. Ravva Pojayya proudly notes, “Irrespective of gender, the vookada is gifted to every child in the family,” emphasizing its role as a tangible marker of familial bonds. As children mature, the cradle remains a cherished possession, with some, like eight-year-old Suresh, continuing to play with the cradle crafted by their father.
In a region where neighboring tribes utilize saris as cradles, the Muria’s bamboo tradition stands as a testament to their unique cultural practices and reverence for nature’s resources. Situated along the Andhra-Chhattisgarh border, the Chukkalapadu settlement serves as a haven for the Muria community, preserving their customs amidst changing landscapes and modern influences.
Despite the passage of time and the challenges of displacement, the Muria tribe remains steadfast in their commitment to preserving ancestral traditions. As they weave each bamboo cradle, fathers pass down not only a practical sleeping space but also a profound legacy of love, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage—a bond that transcends generations and embodies the timeless spirit of parenthood.
Source – The Hindu
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