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The traditional Daruma is red, but modern ones come in many shades—pink for love, yellow for wealth, and black for business—each carrying a unique meaning.
The deepest link between India and the Daruma doll lies in its very inspiration—Bodhidharma. (Image: X/@narendramodi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Japan, where he held the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Friday, aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. On the very first day of his visit, PM Modi received a special gift—a Daruma doll—from Rev. Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of the historic Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple in Takasaki.
Gifts exchanged between world leaders often grab attention, as they carry not just ceremonial value but also deep cultural, symbolic, and political meaning. They serve as subtle instruments of soft power in global diplomacy. The Daruma doll, gifted to PM Modi, is one such powerful symbol—considered among the most auspicious gifts in Japanese tradition.
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Daruma Doll: A Symbol of Resilience
The Daruma doll is one of Japan’s most iconic talismans of good luck and determination. Made of papier-mâché, it has a hollow, rounded shape with a weighted bottom that bounces back upright whenever tipped over—embodying the spirit of resilience. Traditionally painted in red, the doll carries a stern face framed by thick eyebrows and a beard but starts out with blank eyes. Filling in the eyes is part of a ritual: one eye is drawn when setting a goal, and the other when that goal is fulfilled. The doll stands as a visual reminder of perseverance, often linked to the Japanese proverb “fall down seven times, get up eight.” For centuries, it has been used to mark New Year’s resolutions, business success, or personal milestones.
The Doll’s Origins & India Connection
The Daruma’s story begins with Bodhidharma, the 5th-century Buddhist monk from India who founded Zen Buddhism. Bodhidharma was born in Kancheepuram (present-day Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu). He travelled to China in the 5th or 6th century to spread Buddhism. His teachings became the foundation of Chan Buddhism in China, which later evolved into Zen in Japan.
Known as Daruma Daishi in Japan (a name derived from the Sanskrit “Dharma”), he is remembered for his extreme meditation practices, including the legendary nine years of wall-gazing.
One tale says his eyelids fell off during this time, leading to the growth of the tea plant, while another suggests his limbs withered away from stillness—both stories echo in the doll’s design.
The Daruma, therefore, is not just a Japanese symbol but also a reminder of India’s ancient spiritual influence across Asia. Its very essence—discipline, endurance, and enlightenment—traces back to Bodhidharma’s Indian roots.
The modern Daruma doll as we know it took shape in the 18th century in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. Zen Master Shinetsu established the Shorinzan Daruma-ji temple in 1667, and Daruma images were distributed as charms during New Year celebrations.
By the 19th century, artisans such as Tomogoro Yamagata began producing papier-mâché versions on wooden moulds. Initially, they were popular among silk farmers during the Meiji era, who would pray with them for a prosperous harvest.
Interestingly, Daruma dolls also carried a darker meaning in history. During outbreaks of measles and smallpox, their red colour was associated with both the hoods worn by sick children and the burial cloths of victims. Over time, however, the doll’s role shifted to a more positive one—symbolising recovery, luck, and prosperity.
Even today, nearly 80% of all Daruma dolls are still made in Takasaki. Every year, the Daruma-ji temple hosts a lively fair that draws visitors from across Japan.
Rituals, Colours, And Hidden Symbols
The Daruma ritual is simple yet powerful: buy a blank-eyed doll, paint one eye while making a wish—be it for love, health, or success—and paint the second once that wish comes true. At the end of its cycle, the doll is often returned to a temple and burned in a ceremonial fire, making way for a new beginning.
Though the red Daruma remains the most traditional, modern versions come in many colours with different meanings: pink for love, yellow for wealth, and black for business.
The facial features are also symbolic—its eyebrows resemble cranes and its beard a turtle, both considered signs of longevity in Japanese culture.
The gesture carried deep symbolism. It highlighted not only the doll’s association with perseverance and luck but also the shared spiritual bonds between India and Japan through Bodhidharma. PM Modi expressed gratitude, calling the gift a poignant reminder of their shared heritage and cultural ties.
About the Author
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
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