Silver filigree holds a very special place for goddess Durga during puja festival in Odisha especially Navratri.
Different states in India have different rituals, ceremonials for different gods and goddesses. However, during Durga Puja in Odisha, silversmiths create enormous decorative pieces known as "Chandi Medhas" that are utilised to accentuate the grandeur of the deity's statue.
Cuttack known as the “Silver City of India”
Silver Filigree artisans hold a pivotal role in the creation of jewellery for the revered Goddess Durga Maa, adorning her in a manner that is cherished by the entire community. Nestled in the vibrant town of Cuttack in Odisha, the tarakashi craftsmen are held in high esteem for their distinctive artistry in crafting intricate silver filigree pieces to embellish Durga Maa. It is this exceptional skill that has earned Cuttack the well-deserved title of the "Silver City of India." Within Cuttack, one can find a multitude of such gifted craftsmen and silversmiths, all contributing to the rich legacy of the goldsmith community.
Mastering Silver Filigree by Silversmiths of Cuttack, Odisha
Maa Durga brings joy and excitement among silver filigree craftsman of Odisha. 
The choice of silver as the primary material for Chandi Medhas holds deep symbolism. Silver is associated with purity and auspiciousness in Hindu culture, making it an ideal choice for adorning the goddess.
Elegant patterns emerge piece by piece, laboriously and painstakingly, from a drop of molten silver. While some of the art is accomplished by carving, filigree is created by gradually bending and connecting fine hairs that resemble silver wires.
The prepared silver filigree is first cleaned by submerging it in a weak acid solution. It is polished to a flawless brilliance using a brush and a brass-tipped tool after being submerged in dilute acid for a period of time.
In addition to the brilliance and originality of the craftspeople, the procedure is extremely intricate and requires accuracy, patience, and excellent handwork.
These talented craftsman of Cuttack excels in making huge ornamental silver jewellery that adds grandeur to Durga Maa’s idols during Navratri Puja in India. The same is also done for other dieties during other festivals in Odisha.
A silver filigree throne for Maa Durga
The Mangala temple situation at Alisa Bazar in Cuttack has a huge silver throne on which sits Goddess Durga. This huge yet elegant throne of Maa Durga is completed made by Silver filigree craftsman in the most artistic manner possible. It offers a fine filigree work adding up the layered details.
370 Kgs of silver has been used to build this elegant throne for Maa Durga in Mangala Temple of Odisha. Bright flowers and beautiful lightings are used to decorate the throne for the festivals in Odisha
The work of silver filigree is used for more than just mere decoration -
"Our filigree works don't perish, they write history. So, when we are creating something, it's almost like we are documenting history, which will stand the test of time and be there for our next generation," Pravat Das, a craftsperson from Cuttack, said.
