When I visited Ragi Kana, I saw a vibrant place that skillfully combines ancient customs with innovative ideas. I'm constantly searching for experiences that share historical tales and have relevance to the modern world because I study folklore. That's just what Ragi Kana, a lively marketplace that links the past with the present, achieves. Being authentic and sustainable is at the heart of Ragi Kana. Farmers and artisans offer handcrafted, organic goods, which are still popular with consumers today despite being produced using age-old techniques. Because there are few middlemen in the market, a reasonable portion of the money goes to the manufacturers of the goods. Direct selling promotes local businesses and informs consumers of the benefits of purchasing organic products.
One of the highlights of the visit was the stall set up with traditional games and toys at Ragi Kana. These aren't just old items; they are used today to help people of all ages think more critically and creatively. I had an interesting talk with a stall owner who showed me games once played by Mughal royalty. She told me these games were created to pass the time and sharpen the mind, which was valid then and is still applicable now. These games show how intelligent our ancestors were. They made these games to entertain and teach, which is still essential in today's busy, technology-filled lives. Playing these games, I felt a link to the people - both kids and adults—who played them long ago, and I could almost see how they thought and learned from these games.
The Ragi Kana is also a place where women can empower themselves. At Ragi Kana, many female entrepreneurs are overcoming traditional obstacles by selling their products directly to customers. When I talked to a woman and asked about her products and how she got the idea to do business with beauty products? She told me the name of the brand she kept in her daughter’s name, and since she always wanted to do business of her own, she realised how the market is filled with chemicals and artificial products, and from there, she got the idea, and so she decided to make natural beauty products instead. Her experience is an excellent example of how Ragi Kana supports women in starting ethical businesses.
The cultural life of Ragi Kana is vibrant, with traditional music and dance performances that create a lively atmosphere. Every song and dance echoes the past while celebrating the present. These performances were rich in narrating the tales of different communities. I also got a chance to learn some folk stories, which deepened my appreciation for the diverse communities that come together in this unique, traditional place.
Ragi Kana is more than just a market; it is a community hub that unites people of all ages and a living museum. It provides a practical learning opportunity on traditional crafts, sustainable agriculture, and the value of cultural preservation. In addition to providing a great deal of knowledge, my tour made me deeply aware of how the past continues to influence the present. This trip into Ragi Kana's centre of creativity and tradition has greatly enhanced my academic career. It emphasised the value of hands-on education and the lasting significance of cultural legacy in modern society.
If you ever get the chance to visit Ragi Kana, don't miss it! It's a place that will transport you to a simpler time, connect you with the magic of folklore, and inspire you to unleash your creativity. You might even discover a hidden talent or two!
Managing the game stall