Durga Puja is in full swing, with devotees flocking to pandals to seek Maa Durga’s blessings and admire the grand idols that leave us mesmerised. But did you know that, in earlier times, the Goddess shone even brighter with sparkling ornaments that had a surprising connection to Germany? Only a few know the fascinating story behind these special decorations that once added to her divine aura. Read on to know more.
Goddess Durga’s Daker Saaj Connection With Germany
Durga Puja has been celebrated for centuries, starting around the 15th and 16th centuries, mainly in the homes of wealthy Bengali families. In those days, the Goddess Durga idol would be adorned with real gold and silver jewellery taken from the family’s treasures, which were removed during visarjan, the ritual of immersing the idol in water. Over time, the festival grew bigger, and artisans began experimenting with new ways to decorate the Goddess, adding creativity and unique styles to the traditional celebrations.
According to Times Now, among the most fascinating adornments of Goddess Durga are two traditional types of “saaj”–sholar saaj and daker saaj. Sholar saaj is made from shola, a soft, white material from marshy plants that grow across India and South Asia, and is crafted into delicate designs. On the other hand, Daker Saaj has an interesting story behind it. These are made from thermocol, metallic foils, and wires, and these ornaments were originally imported from Germany.
What Makes Daker Saaj Special?
Daker Saaj is special not only because of its material but also because of the effects it creates. Even before electricity became common, the metallic foils in these decorations would shine under the light of oil lamps, giving the Goddess a heavenly glow. Making these ornaments was a delicate and skilled process—artisans carefully cut and shaped thermocol and then layered it with foil, sequins, and beads to create detailed crowns, earrings, and necklaces. Now, due to its expensive rates, daker saaj were replaced by modern themes, and new materials became popular in puja pandals.
Did you know about this connection before? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: 12 Traditional Bengali Recipes To Make Durga Puja Extra Special At Home This Year
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons