✅ Basic Info Name: Pinguli Ganjifa Cards State: Maharashtra (Pinguli village, Sindhudurg) GI Tag Year: 2021 Category: Handicraft 🎨 Unique Features Hand-painted traditional playing cards Made from layers of paper, cloth, and natural gluePainted using natural dyes & fine brushesUsually circular in shape Bright colors, intricate detailingThemes: Dashavatara (10 avatars of Vishnu) Mythological stories 🧵 Manufacturing Process (step-wise) Base preparation Layers of waste paper + cloth pasted using natural glue Cutting Circular cards cut uniformly Surface coating Applied with chalk/stone powder for smoothness Hand painting Fine brush work, natural colors Polishing Cards polished with stones/shells for shine 👥 Community Made by Chitrakathi artisans (Same community also known for storytelling through paintings) Linked with Chitrakathi art tradition 🎲 Gameplay (basic idea) Played like traditional card games Different sets (Dashavatara set has multiple suits) Rules vary regionally ⚙️ Making Process (short) Base prepared (leather/paper) Natural colors applied Detailed hand painting of figures Polishing & finishing 🎭 Cultural Importance Used in traditional card games Also part of storytelling & folk art in Konkan region Combines art + gaming + mythologyEarlier patronized by royalty of Sawantwadi Now preserved as heritage craft & souvenir 📊 Economic Role Sold as: Souvenirs Collector’s items Promoted by: Museums Handicraft exhibitions Helps preserve Konkan folk heritage ⚠️ Issues Cheap printed replicas reduce demand Younger generation leaving craft Limited awareness outside Maharashtra