Indian PM Narendra Modi on Friday presented a Daruma doll by Rev Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of the Shorinzan Daruma-Ji temple, Takasaki-Gunma.

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

 Daruma doll

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

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, known in Japan as Daruma Daishi, who is said to have travelled here over a thousand years ago.

Speaking at the event, Indian PM Narendra Modi wrote on X: "It was an honour to meet Rev. Seishi Hirose, Chief Priest of Shorinzan Daruma-Ji Temple in Takasaki-Gunma. My gratitude to him for presenting a Daruma Doll. Daruma is considered to be an important cultural symbol in Japan and also has a connect with India. It is influenced by Bodhidharma, a noted monk."