The lacquer dolls’ marriage which is conducted in the district for last seven years with pomp and gaiety by a civil society group was solemnised on Monday here.
This year the marriage was solemnized between Sumanta and Tapoi, two prominent names associated with Odisha’s history.
The bridge groom in a procession arrived at the wedding venue and it was solemnized as per rituals of Odisha.
Former MP Kharabela Swain while was the chief guest of the grand function, several other eminent personalities from various walks of life witnessed the event, which was tying of nuptial knot between a pair of dolls.
The doll construction work began on the Ram Navami while soil for this year was brought from the river Baitarani.
“As per decision of our committee each year the construction works while begins on Ram Navami; the lagna dhara is made on Budhha Purnima and the marriage is made on Jestha Ekadashi. The sacred soil was brought from the river Baitarani. Each year the nuptial knot is tied between the groom and bride in different names associated with the mythological , historical and folk tales,” said Kesu Das, a key member of Jau Kandhei marriage festival committee.
“The dolls’ marriage was started in 2009 in the district to promote the lacquer works and protect the artisans. Now the event has gained immense popularity. This year besides in the district headquarters at least in five other places outside the district including in Bhubaneswar, the wedding took place,” said Subasini Jena, founder member of the committee.
“Although the marriage is conducted between a pair of dolls as symbolic yet all the customs and rituals are followed as per strict Odia culture .This reminds and revives our rich traditions,” said Brahmanath Rath, another key member of the festival committee.