• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a traditional Daruma doll, seen as a symbol of good luck, during his visit to Japan on August 29.

• He was presented a Daruma doll by Rev Seishi Hirose, chief priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple, Takasaki-Gunma.

• This special gesture reaffirms the close civilisational and spiritual ties between India and Japan.

• The Daruma doll is considered auspicious and a good luck charm in Japanese culture.

• Daruma is considered to be an important cultural symbol in Japan.

• The Daruma doll, typically painted red and gold, is a powerful emblem of perseverance, resilience, and good fortune. 

• It is traditionally used for goal-setting, where one eye is painted upon making a wish and the second is filled in only after the goal is successfully accomplished.

• Takasaki City in Gunma is the birthplace of the famous Daruma dolls.

• The Daruma tradition in Japan is based on the legacy of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk from Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, known in Japan as Daruma Daishi, who is said to have travelled here over a thousand years ago.

• Daruma Daishi is also considered to be a foundational figure in Zen Buddhism.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)