ERWIN FONSECA
ASSAGAO: In an era where technology has significantly simplified life and replaced traditional crafts with machine-made products, a few artisans remain steadfast in preserving the age-old crafts. One such individual is Dayanand Pednekar from Dodamarg, who continues the tradition of making bamboo
ladders, a skill passed down through generations.
Bamboo, often referred to as a grass, is a unique plant that once played a central role in daily life, alongside the coconut tree. In the past, bamboo was highly sought after for making various household items, and it was a common sight in every Goan home. However, with time, the prominence of bamboo and coconut has diminished, replaced by fabricated materials, plastic, and expensive wood. Despite the durability and low maintenance of these modern materials, traditional items like bamboo ladders still have their own distinct benefits, which artisans like Dayanand continue to advocate.
Born and raised in a modest household in the border village of Dodamarg, Dayanand Pednekar has mastered the art of bamboo ladder making. For him, crafting a ladder is almost second nature. With years of experience and a deep fondness for the work, he can craft a ladder in just one day if he has all the necessary materials ready.
Dayanand’s dedication to his craft is evident in his lifestyle. He does not own a motorbike and still travels on a bicycle for work, even transporting the finished ladders to their destination by tying them to his bicycle. He recalls his upbringing in extreme poverty, where bamboo ladder making provided a livelihood for his family. “In those days, bamboo ladders were in high demand, and we were constantly flooded with orders. Today, that demand has decreased, but bamboo ladders still have their own identity, and no one can completely eliminate them,” he says.
Crafting a bamboo ladder is not a simple task, but it is not overly difficult either, according to Dayanand. The most crucial aspect is selecting the right bamboo—strong and tall enough for the ladder’s frame and equally sturdy for the horizontal steps. Over the years, Dayanand has honed his ability to identify and use the
best bamboo, allowing him to complete a ladder in a day when working non-stop.
One common misconception is that bamboo ladders do not last long, but Dayanand strongly disagrees. “Bamboo ladders can last a long time if made from seasoned bamboo and stored properly in a dry place. The key is to keep the ladder away from moisture, as exposure to water can shorten its lifespan,” he explains. However, finding quality bamboo has become increasingly challenging due to the decline in bamboo cultivation and the destruction of hills and forests, which has led to monkeys destroying the bamboo crops. “The availability of bamboo has dropped as people don’t grow it on a large scale, and the fear of bamboo groves harbouring rats and snakes is also
a deterrent. With the destruction of hills and forests, monkeys
are now coming into areas occupied by humans and destroying their produce, including bamboo,” he says.
Despite the challenges, bamboo ladders remain a popular choice for certain uses. Initially heavy when freshly made, they become lighter over time. They are often used by electrical linemen to climb poles, a practice that dates to when linemen would tie bamboo ladders to their cycles as they patrolled their areas. In recent years, the demand for bamboo has seen a resurgence, thanks to non-Goan entrepreneurs who have
introduced new, decorative uses for the material. This has renewed interest in bamboo, not just for traditional household items but also for modern, innovative applications.
Dayanand remains optimistic about the future of bamboo and coconut trees, particularly in a coastal state like Goa, where these plants are integral to both daily life and the tourism industry. “The uses of bamboo and coconut are manifold, and unless we deliberately decide to reduce their cultivation, they will
continue to thrive.
In the years
to come, both bamboo
and coconut trees will be in high
demand,” he emphasises.