Artists work on a sohrai painting at Birsa Munda Zoological Park, Ormanjhi, Ranchi. Telegraph picture

Ranchi, Jan. 22: On your next visit to the zoo, you can appreciate traditional art as well.

Thanks to women artists, the Birsa Munda Zoological Park in Ormanjhi now boasts grand murals and sohrai work. Situated on National Highway 33, the murals on the outer walls of the park cover over 15,700sqft area. Around 174 panels (10ft X 8ft) showcase the flora and fauna of the region highlighting the ethnic style practised in the villages of Hazaribagh.

Around 20 women artists, who have excelled in both sohrai and khovar, two popular art forms of the region, have taken the initiative. Justin Imam of Hazaribagh was commissioned by the state tourism department to execute the work. His father Bulu Imam, who worked towards popularising sohrai and khovar, also runs Virasat Foundation, an organisation for keeping the tradition alive.

Sohrai is usually done on the freshly coated mudwalls of houses in the villages, especially during the sohrai festival. It is very popular among tribals and other agrarian communities. It normally depicts different forms of plants, fish, birds and animals, particularly cows and horses. Bright colours like red, black and brown, besides white, are used.

Bulu Imam believes that the locals were originally inspired by rock-art in the region. In earlier days, local indigenous colours were and artists used crushed twigs for painting. But now paintbrushes and synthetic colours are being used. “We have used enamel paints,” said Justin.

Some members of the artist group have also painted murals at an important gallery in Australia . Now, as an innovation, these paintings are also being made on papers (in stead of walls following tradition), to make it easier for art-lovers to add them to their personal collection. But, unfortunately, the rural artists are yet to create a niche market for their work.

Haren Thakur, a well-known artist, who visited the site, is all praises for the effort made. He, however, is worried about the durability. “The panels will be exposed to sun and rain and would be within the reach of everybody, so there is a risk of it withering away and being exposed to vandalism,” he said, suggesting that barricade and shade could help keep it safe.

Dilip Toppo, a sculptor and member of Lalit Kala Akademi, had similar concerns. I will approach the government so that steps are taken to save the panels, he said.