Commonly called GaranaPanjari, the traditional bamboo birdcage of the Khond Tribe, situated in the state of Odisha, is a distinctive cage design adopted for pet birds. Made by hand through painting disgusting designs using split bamboo and wooden sticks, this spacious birdcage design has a square bottom while the top has an elegant dome completing the functional as well as aesthetic purpose. The Khond, who generally live in harmony with nature, keep birds or small animals not merely for utility but as an important part of their cultural and spiritual life. The GaranaPanjari thus provides a safe and spacious shelter for birds, able to keep them refreshingly ventilated and free in their movement within its safe limits.
The structure is constructed with utmost care, with split bamboo strips intertwined with fine wooden rods to yield lightness and strength. The square base gives it added stability when sat on a flat surface, while the arch-shaped dome top allows even greater internal volume to keep birds comfortable. As per Khond tradition, such cages can find utility during the festive season or for ritual offerings wherein birds hold symbolic representation. The making of Garana Panjari is also evidence of the deep knowledge, concerning bamboo and woodwork, possessed by the community and passed through generations as part of the rich cultural heritage. Garana Panjari is a symbol of Khond respect for the wildlife, eco-friendly craftsmanship, and resourcefulness in utilizing natural materials.