Coated in Nearly a Kilo of Gold, Bikaner's Tazia Carries 22 Years of Craft

Built in Bikaner's Mohalla Ustan, this golden tazia is covered entirely in gold leaf and fine Usta-art carving, drawing visitors from across Rajasthan and beyond every year.

During Muharram, tazias of every kind are crafted and carried out in processions across the country, yet one tazia in Bikaner stands apart for its rare artistry and grandeur. Prepared in the city's Mohalla Ustan, this special tazia is covered entirely in a layer of gold and the fine carving of Usta art. That beauty is exactly why people travel here every year not only from Bikaner but from across Rajasthan and other parts of the country.

Muharram in Bikaner brings out tazias made from dry fruits, wax, glass, clay, cotton, iron and bangles. But this golden tazia, with its gold coating and Usta-art carving running over the entire structure, is a one-of-a-kind example.

A Kilo of Gold, Worth Lakhs
Standing about 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide, its biggest distinction is the golden Usta-art penwork that runs from top to bottom. According to the artisans, nearly one kilogram of gold has gone into it, and the gold-adorned tazia is valued in the lakhs of rupees. Its grandeur and craftsmanship place it among the most unique tazias in India.

Karbala's History Inscribed in Arabic and Urdu
Verses of the holy Quran and the historical events of Karbala have been beautifully inscribed on the tazia in Arabic and Urdu. The intricate Usta-art carving makes every part of it look like a piece of art. After a night of decoration and final touches, when it is placed in the locality for people to view, its golden shine draws everyone toward it.

From a Cardboard Tazia to Gold
Usta artist Mohammad Hanif Usta explains that earlier a cardboard tazia was made every year in Mohalla Ustan. Over time, the elders and artisans of the locality felt that with world-renowned Usta-art masters living right here, the tazia too should be given a permanent form in the same art. With that thought, work with the golden pen began on this tazia about 22 years ago. Since then, its upkeep, repair and decoration have continued every year.

First the Clay Relief, Then the Gold Leaf
The traditional technique of Usta art is used to build it. First, raised or embossed work is done in clay, and gold leaf is then pasted over it. The entire process is highly complex and time-consuming. According to the artisans, preparing a tazia of this kind takes several years, while its yearly decoration and maintenance also demand a long stretch of time.

Inspired by the Shrine in Karbala
The design of this tazia is inspired by the shrine of Imam Hussain in the holy city of Karbala in Iraq. The artisans shaped its structure keeping that sacred site's architecture in mind, which is why it is seen as a remarkable blend of devotion and art. Another special feature of this permanent tazia is that fresh handmade paper lattices are fitted on it every year. The artisans cut these lattices themselves and give them a new design each time, while the colors and decoration are used to specially highlight Bikaner's cultural identity.

What this means for you
• Across India: For anyone drawn to Muharram's unique tazias, this is a striking example of craftsmanship and tradition preserved in gold.
• In Bikaner: The golden tazia in Mohalla Ustan is put on display every year, letting local residents and visitors see its golden carving up close.

Questions & Answers

1. Where is Bikaner's golden tazia prepared?
It is prepared in Mohalla Ustan in the city of Bikaner.

2. How much gold has been used in this tazia?
According to the artisans, nearly one kilogram of gold has been used on it, and it is valued in the lakhs of rupees.

3. How big is the tazia?
The tazia is about 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide.

4. When did the golden penwork on this tazia begin?
The golden penwork began about 22 years ago; before that, a cardboard tazia was made here every year.

5. What is the design of the tazia inspired by?
Its design is inspired by the shrine of Imam Hussain in the holy city of Karbala in Iraq.

6. What technique is used to make it?
It uses the traditional technique of Usta art, where embossed work is first done in clay and gold leaf is then pasted over it.

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