The Final touch embellishing the deity.
Moving forward with festivity fervour, next after claying and drying, the idol is painted in the brightest of colours which finishes with the most crucial step of painting of the eyes, specially that of Goddess Durga, which is called “Chakshudan” means offering eyes to Durga. This ritual has a special significance as it marks the final touch in embellishing the deity and puts life into the clay Idol. Only a senior member from the artisan community is allowed to draw the eyes of the Goddess.
Watch the artist giving life to the goddess.
As per traditions, the ritual ought to be performed on Mahalaya marking the beginning of a daughter’s journey to visit her father’s house. The actual concept behind was Durga Puja was initially celebrated by affluent household of Bengal and thus the idol used to be prepared in their private compound and on the very day Mahalaya the artist used to perform the Chakshudan ritual.But with introduction of Barowari (comes from the Sanskrit words “bar”, which means public, and Persian word “wari”)puja which refers to the community puja, the artisan began to prepare idol in their own workshops.
As the number of Barowari puja increased over the years and till today it was not possible for artisans to make the eyes for several Durga idols at the same time. So nowadays artisans perform this ritual as per their own convenience but in near proximity to Mahalaya only- say maybe a day or two before. Tomorrow Devi paksha (where Devi indicates to Durga herself) starts with Mahalaya – the day the goddess is invited to descend to earth.
Watch the video :The Final touch embellishing the deity.
