A Silver Throne for the Goddess
Installing a silver filigree throne for Goddess Durga during the Puja season in Cuttack, Odisha
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
The different states and communities of India have various festivals depending on harvests, rituals or other ceremonial periods, celebrating their different gods. For the craftsmen and women, the gods and their idols are of prime importance as during these festivals, it becomes their responsibility to create and adorn the idols that the rest of the community worships. In the bustling town of Cuttack in Odisha, during the Puja season, it is the silversmiths who get the honor of using their centuries old silver filigree craft to adorn the throne of Goddess Durga.
Silver Filigree: In process (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Also known as the 'Silver City of India', Cuttack is famous for Chandi Tarkashi: the craft of silver filigree. The city is home to many talented silversmiths who belong to the Sunar or goldsmith community and commonly use the surname Sahoo.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Silversmiths of Cuttack excel in crafting large ornamental pieces that add grandeur to the Durga idols during Durga Puja, as well as other dieties during other festivals.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The Mangala temple at Alisa Bazar, Cuttack, has a large silver throne that surrounds the clay idol of Goddess Durga.
Silver Filigree: Silver throne (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The huge elaborate throne called simhasan, is made by silver filigree artists in an almost ritualistic manner. Fifteen master silversmiths, over a period of one year, worked collectively to make this silver throne.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The process is highly elaborate, using precision machines and skilled handwork, apart from the ingenuity and creativity of these traditional artisans.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The silversmith community of Alisha Bazaar in Cuttack along with other businessmen of the area donated the silver for the throne.
A closer look at the throne shows the fine filigree work that adds layers of details.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Almost 370 kgs of silver was used to make the elaborate throne for the Mangala temple.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Although this throne was made a few years ago, it is specially decorated over and over again during Durga Puja every year.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
After the silver throne is assembled, it is further decorated with flowers and lights for the festivity.
Silver Filigree: Establishing the silver simhasan (2017)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The silversmiths and the public have reverence and dedication for the simhasan and the idol.
Until everything is installed for public viewing, the temple gates remain closed and the Durga idol is covered.
Silver filigree in Cuttack: A calendar of sacred festivalDastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about Silver filigree here:
- Silver Filigree during festivals in Odisha
- Ornaments, Decorative and Utilitarian Products
Text: Jaya Jaitly
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Artisans: Ruksar Ali and community filigree artists
Ground Facilitator: Ankit Kumar
Documentary Video: Ankit Kumar
Curation: Ruchira Verma
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.