Home / Arts and Entertainment / The Moment Durga Comes Alive: Chokkhudaan Tradition
The Moment Durga Comes Alive: Chokkhudaan Tradition
18 Oct
Summary
- Chokkhudaan, or 'giving of the eyes,' is a vital tradition in Durga idol making.
- This sacred ritual signifies the moment Goddess Durga's spirit awakens in the idol.
- Traditionally, the eyes are painted on Mahalaya morning, marking the Puja season's start.
Weeks before Durga Puja, Kolkata's Kumartuli district buzzes with the creation of hundreds of Durga idols. Artisans painstakingly craft these figures, layering bamboo, straw, and river silt into elaborate forms. Yet, a centuries-old tradition dictates that the idols remain incomplete until their eyes are painted.
This ritual, known as Chokkhudaan, or 'giving of the eyes,' is considered the moment Goddess Durga awakens within the image. It is a sacred act that breathes life into the clay, requiring absolute precision from the artist to capture her dual nature as a vanquisher of evil and a loving mother.
Traditionally, Chokkhudaan takes place on the morning of Mahalaya, an auspicious day that officially heralds the Durga Puja season. While modern schedules may necessitate adjustments, the emotional connection between Mahalaya and the painting of the goddess's eyes remains profound, signaling her arrival.
Though Kolkata's Durga Puja is recognized globally for its grand installations and community spirit, the essence of the festival lies in intimate moments like Chokkhudaan. The final gaze of the painted eyes holds a quiet magic, connecting devotees to the divine in a deeply spiritual way.
