At a wedding, festival or village celebration in Jharkhand, you are likely to hear the Mandar. Its beats fill the air as people gather to sing and dance, often with the drum hanging from a musician's shoulder.

But long before the Mandar reaches a celebration, someone has to make it.

In villages like Jarjatta in Jharkhand's Gumla district, artisans have been doing exactly that for generations. Using red clay from the region, leather and traditional techniques passed down through their families, they make the drums that have become such a familiar part of the state's celebrations.

And now, this centuries-old craft has received some well-deserved recognition.

The Mandar of Jharkhand has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognising the instrument's connection to the state, the materials used to make it and the skills of the artisans behind it.

For the families who have kept this tradition alive, the recognition could help their work reach people far beyond Jharkhand.

What goes into making a Mandar?

If you have seen a dhol or dholak, you may think the Mandar looks quite similar. But the way it is made sets it apart.

While many traditional drums have wooden bodies, the Mandar is made using locally sourced red clay.

Artisans shape the clay into a hollow, slightly rounded body. They then cover both ends with leather, keeping one opening smaller than the other, and secure the coverings with braided cords.

There's another small detail that makes a difference.

A special coating called Kiran is........

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