Dokra Diya (2018) by Somnath KarmakarBanglanatak
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated across India with much fervour. This celebration in different corners of the country includes some unique ritualistic practices with which a large variety of handicrafts are associated too.
Patachitra of Lakshmi (2018) by Uttam ChitrakarBanglanatak
In some regions, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on this day for wealth and prosperity.
This Patachitra painting by Uttam Chitrakar from Pingla beautifully portrays the Goddess of wealth with her mount.
Doka Owl (2018) by Artist from BiknaBanglanatak
Goddess Lakshmi's mount, the Owl is also an important element of worship. Different types of owls are handcrafted in different materials by local craft communities of India.
This is an intricately designed Dokra owl made by artists of Bikna in the Bankura district of West Bengal.
Wooden Dolls of Natungram (2019) by Artist from NatungramBanglanatak
The colourful and vibrant wooden owls of Natungram in Bardhaman are iconic figurines of Bengal, and have their roots in religion too.
A Wooden Doll Artist (2019) by Artist from NatungramBanglanatak
Worshipping a pair of painted wooden owls to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi is still a practice in Bengal.
Dokra Diya (2018) by Artist from BiknaBanglanatak
To symbolize the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance, lighting of lamps is a common practice in Diwali.
That makes it a festival of lights, and beautiful handcrafted lamps adorn Indian homes during this time.
Dokra Diya (2018) by Artist from BiknaBanglanatak
Dokra diyas are used in homes on a daily basis and just not during Diwali and Kali Puja, to forestall darkness and spread light.
Terracotta Diya from Bengal (2019)Banglanatak
The simplest and most traditional diyas are made of Terracotta. These are the most widely used lamps throughout India.
Terracotta Diya (2019) by Artist from KunoorBanglanatak
Terracotta artists also make more elaborate lamps. This is a 'Panchapradeep' (five lamps), which is especially auspicious.
Fairy Lights with Shola Flowers (2019) by Mallika HaldarBanglanatak
A unique handicraft of Bengal is Shola, a soft and delicate material processed from a type of local plant. The delicate naturally white material renders dainty and elegant products, such as these flowers. Shola craftspersons produce pretty rice lights with flowers made of Shola during festivals. These are not only eco-friendly in nature, but also beautify and light up homes to bring in good forces and let go of darkness.
Shola Diwali Lights (2018) by Mallika HaldarBanglanatak
To quote Tagore:
"...ঘরে ঘরে ডাক পাঠালো —
'দীপালিকায় জ্বালাও আলো,
জ্বালাও আলো, আপন আলো,
সাজাও আলোয় ধরিত্রীরে ।
...জ্বালাও আলো, আপন আলো,
জয় করো এই তামসীরে ॥"
Calling out to all
to ignite the light within,
to adorn earth with light,
to conquer this darkness.
To read a story on diverse representations of Goddess Kali through different art forms of India visit this link.
