Keshav Meher is a 49-year-old appliqué artisan based in Butupalli village, Boudh district, Odisha. He began learning the craft at the age of 12 under the guidance of his father, continuing a family practice that has been sustained for over a century. His work is closely tied to the making of chhatri (ritual umbrellas) and related ceremonial objects used during Danda Yatra. Working with materials such as locally sourced bamboo (konta baasa) and fabrics procured from Raj Ratan Mills in Cuttack, along with roto fabric sourced through regional wholesalers, Keshav’s practice reflects a deep connection to local resource networks. The bamboo used in his work is collected from nearby forests and selected for its strength and durability.

His workshop, known locally as “Keshav Umbrella and Tent,” operates outside exhibition circuits, with production primarily fulfilling ritual and local demands rather than market-oriented sales. His family continues to be actively involved in the craft, with both his parents still working and his son contributing from within the household. His practice reflects a continuity of inherited knowledge shaped by seasonal cycles, ritual requirements, and evolving material conditions.