Cuttack's Zari Medha is a testament to communal harmony | Fusion - WeRIndia

In a time when communal tensions and divisive politics often dominate the news, Cuttack—known as the Millennium City—shines as a symbol of unity and harmony.

One of the most striking examples of this harmony is found in the city’s Zari Medha tradition, where Muslim artisans have been crafting intricate decorative tableaus for Durga Puja for generations.

This shared tradition binds communities together, proving that art and culture can transcend religious divides.

The Zari Medha, celebrated for its artistic splendour, is carefully crafted using bamboo sticks, golden paper, glitter, mirrors, golden wires, and sola (Indian cork).

These stunning creations have become an essential part of the Durga Puja celebrations in Cuttack, contributing to the festival’s grandeur.

Many Muslim artisans from areas such as Banka Bazar, Firingi Bazar etc., dedicated their lives to this craft.

These artisans receive orders year-round, not just for Durga Puja but also for festivals like Ganesh Puja, Saraswati Puja, and even weddings.

However, it is during Durga Puja and Dussehra that the demand for Zari Medha peaks.

Orders come in months in advance, and due to high demand, artisans sometimes have to decline new requests.

The Zari Medhas range from 5 to 20 feet in height, with prices ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1.5 lakh, while intricate Tarakashi work can fetch up to ₹2 lakhs.

For artisans like Abid Ali, being Muslim has never been a barrier to participating in Hindu festivals.

Their work is not limited to Cuttack. Orders come in from across Odisha and even from distant cities like Hyderabad, keeping these artisans busy year-round.

Their dedication to their craft and their integral role in Hindu celebrations serve as a powerful symbol of the enduring spirit of communal harmony and mutual respect in Cuttack.

Through the legacy of Zari Medha, Cuttack continues to celebrate its rich cultural heritage, showcasing how art can build bridges between communities, one masterpiece at a time.

Image Credit: Musée Annam, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bronze_ceremonial_helmet_from_the_Tr%E1%BA%A7n_dynasty_of_Annam_circa_12-13th_century.jpg