Durga Puja revives filigree artwork in Orissa

Cuttack, Sep 26 (ANI): Ongoing Durga Puja festival provides boost to the filigree artwork business in Cuttack.

During the festival, artisans have been getting many orders to prepare the crown and other ornaments of the deities.

"Now they have got sufficient work. Earlier they were sitting idle," said Suryakant Singhania, president, balubazar puja committee (a festival committee).

Many Puja committees have placed the orders with the artisans for creating the backdrop and pandal (makeshift temple) decorations.

The festival in a way has brought back shine to the dying filigree art, which was at one time quite popular in Cuttack. Artisans want this artwork is known all over the country.

" Artisans will be highly benefited. The artwork is known in Orissa. But slowly it will be famous in the entire country," said Purnachandra, Secretary, chowdhuri bazar committee (festival committee).

Every year more than 150 filigree artisans are engaged in making backdrop and ornament design.

The intricate silver filigree or 'tarakashi' designs are used in creating jewellery of the Goddess and the tableau that render divine sparkle to the idol.

Filigree, the "wire work", is a delicate jewel work, which is made with twisted threads usually of gold and silver. (ANI)