• UGI USER
  • Jul 01, 2024
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KARTHUMBI UMBRELLA

Why in the news?

  • The Prime Minister praised the ‘Karthumbi’ umbrella made by tribal women in Kerala during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio program.
Source: NewsonAir

About Karthumbi Umbrella:

  • Launched: In 2014 in Attappadi, Kerala, the Karthumbi umbrella brand has produced 3 lakh umbrellas, enhancing tribal living standards and health.
  • Description: Folding canopy with wooden/metal ribs on a wooden/metal pole; protects against rain/sunlight; handy and easy to carry.
  • Brand: Tribes India
  • Pattern: Plain
  • Size: 30 cm when folded
  • Tribe: Muduga, Irula, and Kurumba
  • State: Kerala
  • Note: Minor variations may occur due to handmade nature.
  • Financial support expanded production from 1,000 umbrellas in 2014 to 17,000 annually in 2024, employing 360 women.
About Tribes:

Kurumba Tribe

  • Also known as Mala Pulayans, Hill Pulayans, and Pamba Pulayans.
  • Traditional Occupation: Foraging and shifting cultivation.
  • Forest Products: Collect honey, wax, soapnut, turmeric, ginger, and wild cardamoms.
  • Skills: Body tattooing, basket and mat manufacturing.
  • Religion: Animism (belief in spiritual entities) and Totemism (worship of plants or animals with perceived supernatural powers).

Irula or Irular Tribe

  • Occupation: Agriculturists.
  • Crops: Grow paddy, ragi, dhal, plantains, chillies, and turmeric.
  • Religion: Majority worship Vishnu (Rangaswami) and Siva; some practice animism and worship the tiger.