Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday was presented with a Daruma doll, by the Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple Rev Seishi Hirose in Tokyo. PM Modi, who is on two-day visit to Japan at the invitation of his counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, will attend the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit visit today
What Is A Daruma Doll?
#WATCH | Tokyo | Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple presents Daruma Doll to PM Modi
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A Daruma doll is a Japanese traditional doll that is round and hollow, inspired by Bodhidharma, the founder of the Zen tradition of Buddhism. While they are usually red and depict the Indian monk, Bodhidharma, their colour and designs vary by region and artist. This doll is seen as a symbol of perseverance and good luck, and is one of the most popular gifts in Japan.
The belief that Daruma doll brings good luck charm partly began at the Shorinzan Daruma Temple, in the city of Takasaki. Daruma’s unique design, specifically the shape, colour, eyes and facial hair, each have its own history and symbolic meaning.
What Makes It Special?
These dolls are still mostly made of papier-mache. They have a round shape, are hollow and weighted at the bottom so that they always return to an upright position when tilted over. Their traditional red colouring is believed to have come from the colour of priest’s robes.
The eyes of Daruma are often blank when sold and the recipient fills one eye upon setting the goal, then the other upon fulfilling it. It is believed that whenever an individual sees the eyes of Daruma Doll, he gets motivated to achieve the goals he has set.
These dolls embody the Japanese idiom of “fall down seven times, get up eight.” Traditionally, Japanese people colour one eye of the doll before setting a personal goal with the intention of achieving it. The other eye remains blank until the goal is fulfilled.
PM Modi’s Japan Visit
Commencing his first day in Japan in seven years, PM Modi also met members of the Indian community who had been waiting for his arrival in Tokyo. The PM was deeply touched by the warmth he received and heaped praise on the Indians. Members of the Indian Diaspora had gathered to welcome him, and Japanese artists performed various cultural performances for the occasion.
Addressing the conference, PM Modi said, “Japan has always been an important partner in India’s development journey. From metro rail to manufacturing, semiconductors to startups…Japanese companies have invested over $40 billion in India.”
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