In Odisha, silver isn’t just jewellery—it’s a way of life. For generations, Odia women have adorned themselves with stunning handcrafted pieces: solid and carved bangles, elegant waistbands, graceful armlets, and the breathtaking lace-like tarakashi filigree that has made Cuttack shine as India’s very own “Silver City.”

No bridal trousseau is complete without these shimmering treasures. Along with the traditional jewellery, a bride receives an eye-shaped kohl container and a tiny silver chest—an heirloom gift for her mother-in-law to store betel nuts. For married women, silver anklets and toe rings are symbols of grace and tradition.

The sparkle of silver continues with every new beginning. When a baby is born, the newborn is welcomed with delicate silver items—a small glass, a bowl, and a spoon. From marriage to motherhood, from blessings to celebrations, tarakashi remains woven into every auspicious moment in an Odia household.

During Durga Puja, Cuttack truly dazzles—this is when the city proudly unveils its finest silver filigree artistry. At least seven magnificent idols of Goddess Durga are adorned from head to toe in shimmering silver, each one a masterpiece crafted by artisans who carry forward a tradition over 500 years old. This intricate art, believed to have arrived through Odisha’s ancient trade routes with Indonesia, continues to thrive today—kept alive by the skilled craftsmen of Cuttack, who work with silver that is 90% pure or more.

The result is nothing short of breathtaking. Durga’s silver crown, her exquisite lotus necklace, and her ten gleaming arms draped in filigree ornaments transform each idol into a radiant vision of divine splendour. Thousands of visitors come from near and far just to witness this spectacular display.

Beyond the puja pandals, the charm of tarakashi spills into the bustling silver shops of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. Here, delicate boxes, miniature statues, handcrafted containers, glasses, plates, and bowls glisten under the lights. Silver Konark wheels, tiny ships inspired by Odisha’s maritime glory, and idols of Lord Jagannath and his siblings remain the most sought-after creations. Each piece is priced by weight, but their true value lies in the centuries of craftsmanship they represent.

TECHNIQUE

The magic of tarakashi begins with fire. A lump of pure silver is melted down and poured into a slender rod-shaped mould, left to cool before being pressed into a long, delicate wire. This is where the artistry truly unfolds.

The wire is flattened into a workable strip, ready to be transformed. Sometimes it is hand–carved with unbelievably intricate patterns; other times, it’s gently heated over a tiny kerosene flame that the artisan controls by blowing air through a hollow tube—an ancient skill passed down through generations.

With astonishing precision, the craftsmen twist, curl, coil, and weave the silvery threads together. Guided by nimble fingers and a trained eye, the plain wire slowly blossoms into an exquisite motif—each piece a shimmering tribute to Odisha’s timeless artistry.