Creating the Creator- Chokkhu Daan



                       

Compassion, Love and anger the big expressive eyes on Ma Durga denotes all.




It isn’t merely art of making eyes on idols and bringing them to life but its an age old ritual. “Chokkhu-daan” as this ritual is known as ,is artistic way of making eyes of idol which requires lots of patience ,sensitivity and practice of generations.
As per custom task of making idols begin on Rath-yatra ,even when entire idol is ready, eyes are made on Mahalaya i.e. last day of Pitrapaksha. “It is on the day of Mahalaya  when Maa Durga is invited therefore making the eyes on the day indicating she is ready to visit earth for the Puja”
Apart from the shape the artist gives to the eyes, its the colouring which is intricate task. Seeds of tamarind is mixed with colours to give the eyes shine and real look.

It is also believed that the left eye of Goddess represents desire (moon)
,the right eye represents the action ( Sun), and the central eyes-knowledge (fire)


The first look into these photographs conveyed one word to me .. not the colours .. not the angle .. not the composition .. but the mood.
The mood which has been most accurately portrayed is the sincerity and concentration of the artist. Look at his solidity, his unshakable concentration .. he knows what he is doing is of utmost importance and it shows in his face .. his eyes...

Pics courtesy- a budding photographer Aniket Roy .

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