The artisans of Katapali, descendants of the famed Kansari community from Kantilo, welcomed them with warmth, a testament to the enduring spirit of their craft. Their hands, though weathered, still carry the knowledge passed down through generations.

Once a community bound by the rhythm of hammer and fire, Katapali today is a mosaic of cultures. Migration over time has brought families from Chhattisgarh and Bihar, weaving new threads into the village’s story.

Yet, amid this blending of identities, the bell metal craft remains a symbol of continuity.

In the heart of the village, a few artisan families still create new works, moulding, shaping, and breathing life into metal. But for most, the days of forging fresh creations have given way to repairing and finishing work.The clang of chisels, once a steady chorus, is now an occasional refrain. The craft, though alive, stands at a crossroads between preservation and quiet decline.

Beyond the workshops, Bargarh readies itself for its grand spectacle—the Dhanu Yatra, a festival that transforms the town into a stage for myth and history. This year, amidst the festivities, another story will find its place. The artisans of Katapali are preparing to showcase their heritage at a Museum of Brass and Bell Metal, a tribute to their fading yet formidable legacy.

The Kansaris - named after kansa, the metal they have shaped for centuries, carry a lineage that stretches back through time. Their craft has survived changing markets, shifting demands, and the erosion of traditional patronage.

But how long before their skills, like so many others, become artefacts in a museum rather than the pulse of a living community?

As the fellows left Katapali, the weight of this question lingered. The fire of creation still burns, but for how much longer? The answer lies not just in the hands of its artisans but in the world’s willingness to value and sustain the craft that once defined them.