Tarakasi

This highly skilled art form is more than 500 years old and is traditionally done by local artisans on the eastern shores of Odisha.

The melting process takes about ten minutes and then the silver is poured into a small, rod-like mold and cooled by submerging the rod in water.

Such new methods and experimentation are increasingly being employed to produce highly polished and refined artifacts in keeping with the demands of customers.

Platinum polishing is done to give a more lasting shine, whereas fusion of silver and brass or other materials is done to create interesting effects.

Over the years various famous monuments like the Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, and others have been made, garnering accolades from admirers of fine arts.

The introduction of the Sharadiya Utsav tradition in the city dates back to the visit of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a Hindu saint, in the 16th century when the consecration of the idol of Durga by using the mask pattern was conducted in his presence at Binod Behari Devi Mandap.

One of the most famous idols is the one at Chandni Chowk, where the entire crown and accessories of Durga are made of silver, popularly known as Chaandi Medha.

In 2004, Ranihat puja committee joined the elite group with a 483 kg (1,065 lb) of silver filigree backdrop, jewellery and weaponry.

In the following year, Haripur-Dolamundai puja committee superseded Ranihat when it installed 500 kg (1,100 lb) silver filigree.