Aesthetic aids to worship

HANDCRAFTED ARTEFACTS fashioned exclusively for traditional worship and rich in symbolism form an essential part of the country's cultural and craft heritage. On display at Khadi Gramodyog's ``Divine Puja Articles'' exhibition-cum-sale is an array of `puja' items celebrating handcrafted aids to worship in a hundred different ways.

From arresting brass and copper thals and `arati' plates to exquisitely sculpted `sphatika', jade, and coral Ganeshas, the exhibition has something for every devotee. There are small-sized Swamimalai bronze icons on display as also gold and silver-coated miniature brass gods and goddesses from Bangalore.

Brass `kuttuvillakkus' and brass and copper diyas and lamps in every shape and size compel one's attention. A range of white metal icons from Jaipur and etched copper and brass `Kalashas' are available along with pretty copper and brass `arati' thals from Varanasi, small `kamandals' and beautifully etched Vishnu `padams'.

Moradabad's contribution comes in the shape of etched brass oil lamps and `archana' plates. And making a colourful splash are Thanjavur's mirror embedded `kalashas' and spoons.

An interesting addition to the `puja' artefacts are `sphatika' meditation aids and `Reiki' healing sticks.

The `Divine Puja Articles' exhibition-cum-sale currently on at Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, 844, Anna Salai, concludes on May 31.

- P. C.

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