Tokyo, August 29: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored with a traditional Daruma doll, a symbol of good fortune, during his visit to Japan last Friday.
Arriving in Tokyo in the morning for a two-day visit, Prime Minister Modi aims to deepen the historical and cultural bonds between India and Japan.
The specially-handcrafted Daruma doll was presented by Rev Seishi Hirose, the Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple in Takasaki-Gunma, as noted in a press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
"This special gesture reaffirms the close civilizational and spiritual ties between India and Japan," the statement read, highlighting the shared cultural heritage.
In Japanese culture, the Daruma doll is regarded as an auspicious token and a charm for good luck.
Takasaki City, located in Gunma Prefecture, is renowned as the birthplace of these iconic Daruma dolls.
The tradition of the Daruma doll is derived from the legacy of Bodhidharma, an Indian monk originally from Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu. Known in Japan as Daruma Daishi, he is believed to have journeyed to Japan over a millennium ago.
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