Traditional lacquer dolls of Balasore. Telegraph pictures

Balasore, April 20: On May 28, the Bakleswari Kala Kendra (BKK), a socio-cultural organisation, has decided to organise a symbolic marriage of two dolls. The outfit feels that the symbolic act will help to revive the tradition of making lacquer dolls.

Though the marriage ceremony is more than a month away, the organisers are already on the job. Sources said a committee comprising people from several section of the society has been formed. “The main objective is to revive lacquer work, which is an age-old art practiced by the people of the region. We want to popularise it,” said Kesu Das, an artist and BKK director.

Presence of lacquer articles in the house, once considered auspicious, has dwindled. “They have been relegated to the background with machine-made articles and feng shui taking over,” he said.

The wedding ceremony would be a grand affair. The ceremony will adhere to all customs and traditions. “We have selected the parents of the bride and the bridegroom. On the day of the marriage, the groom will come in a procession and after a feast, the marriage customs will be held,” said Das.

“We have been entrusted with the responsibility of acting as parents of the bridegroom and accordingly we are preparing ourselves,” said Subasini Jena, a member of the marriage committee and BKK patron.

“The marriage between a pair of dolls is considered auspicious. In good old days, people used to arrange such marriages. Besides, organising such marriages and participating and witnessing the event were also considered auspicious,” she added.

“It was believed that the presence of a pair dolls in the house would enrich and strengthen the nuptial bond. It would also add peace and prosperity to marital life. However, the doll lost its significance and the customs and traditions attached to it lost their importance,” she said.

A pair of dolls was generally taken home during Savitri Ambasha. On that day (new moon day), women observe fast for the well being of their spouse and children.

Savitri, as per mythological belief, had brought her dead husband back to life on a new moon night. She did it by appeasing Lord Yama, the god of death.

“This is not the first occasion that such a marriage would be held. But this time, it is going to be held in a grand manner to popularise and propagate our culture,” said committee member Niranjan Das.

Jhnuti (indigenous art using rice powder) would be made on the occasion. This apart, customs such as hulhuli (a kind of sound produced by women folk on auspicious occasions) will be observed.

Bangles, ornaments, bamboo boxes, wooden crafts, terracotta and dolls made of lacquer are very popular in the region. Craftsmen of the region specialise in making dolls using baking clay and paint them with various attractive colours that use lacquer.

A number of families in Balasore still thrive on lacquer work.