Nemichand Bamalwa Unveils Nav Avatar Necklace for Maa Durga at Indian Museum’s First-Ever Durga Puja
In a historic first, the Indian Museum in Kolkata, recognised as Asia’s oldest and largest museum, is hosting Durga Puja within its premises for the first time. Organised under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with SHE Kantha, the special presentation titled “Devi Durga: Śakti, Mātri, Karuṇā” has been unveiled in the museum’s Central Courtyard.
Adding to the significance of this landmark celebration, Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has crafted bespoke gold jewellery for Goddess Durga and her divine children, bringing together traditional craftsmanship, cultural symbolism and the rich heritage of Bengal.
The jewellery forms part of the museum’s special programme, which explores historical depictions of the Divine Feminine alongside contemporary expressions of Bengal’s traditional arts and crafts. The exhibition, “Devi Durga – From Matri to Mahashakti”, traces the evolution of the goddess’s representations, adornments and spiritual significance through the ages.
Nav Avatar Necklace Celebrates the Nine Forms of Maa Durga
The centrepiece of the jewellery presentation is the Nav Avatar necklace, specially designed for Maa Durga. Inspired by the nine days of Navratri and the goddess’s nine manifestations, the necklace brings these sacred representations together in a single statement piece. It symbolically connects the nationwide celebration of Navratri with Bengal’s cherished tradition of welcoming the goddess home during Durga Puja.
Alongside Maa Durga’s adornment, Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has created traditional jewellery for Maa Lakshmi, Maa Saraswati, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya, incorporating distinctive design elements that reflect each deity’s iconography and spiritual identity.
Maa Mahalakshmi is depicted in her Gajalakshmi form, with silk elements integrated into her adornment. Meanwhile, Maa Saraswati’s jewellery incorporates the sacred Hamsa motif, symbolising wisdom and knowledge.
Traditional Craftsmanship Meets Bengal’s Artistic Heritage
In keeping with Bengal’s revered Sabeki tradition, the idols crafted by artisans from Kumartuli retain their natural, unfinished clay appearance. This aesthetic aligns with the celebration’s Swadeshi and Sanatani ethos, placing indigenous craftsmanship and cultural heritage at its heart.
Complementing the idols, heritage jewellery house Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has adorned the deities with custom-made real gold temple jewellery embellished with fine Polki and diamonds, creating a harmonious blend of traditional artistry and intricate detailing.
A Month of Dedicated Artistry and Design
The bespoke jewellery pieces were developed over a month through the collaborative efforts of master karigars and technical designers. Each ornament features a carefully planned openwork structure designed to complement the hand-embroidered drapes created by women artisans associated with SHE Kantha.
The delicate construction ensures that the intricate textile work remains visible beneath the gold ornaments, allowing the jewellery and embroidery to retain their individual character while coming together as a unified artistic presentation.
Through this collaboration, Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons brings its expertise in heritage jewellery to an important cultural occasion, celebrating the divine feminine through craftsmanship, symbolism and Bengal’s enduring artistic traditions.