The Christmas crib tradition in Goa is very special, and this time it has an eco-friendly angle to it at the Don Bosco Animation Centre in Benaulim.
A crib made entirely using the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, origami. The Don Bosco Animation Centre’s crib presents as an intricate and meaningful three-dimensional setup.
Each figure, from the Holy Family to the shepherds and animals, is crafted entirely out of folded paper. The precision, patience and skill required to create these delicate forms reflect not just artistic excellence but also a deep devotion to the Nativity story.
Dr Mohammed Memon, who spearheaded the origami Nativity scene, says he learnt the art of origami through Youtube and Pinterest.
“It is completely eco-friendly and there is no plastic, thermacol, epoxy, plaster of Paris or any non-biodegradable substance used while making this crib. It's just paper,” says Dr Mohammed, a homeopathic doctor.
With its minimalist approach, the crib truly represents the simplicity and humility of the Christmas message, inform the priests at the centre. The delicate folds and shapes mirror the gentle yet profound arrival of Jesus Christ.
It took 9 helping hands and around 7 days to complete the crib. Dr Mohammed said, “I would spend around 10-12 hours each day making each structure by hand. I received a lot of help from my friends assembling the crib and putting everything in its place.”
The crib has around 100 structures, excluding the paper stones and mountains made.
Dr Mohammed learnt the art online during COVID 19 pandemic.
“I got the idea to make this crib back in December 2020, when it was the peak of COVID 19 lockdown, and I was working in a clinic in Mumbai. Christmas decorations were hard to find, and I wanted to do something about it," he says.
He continues, "I stumbled upon origami on Pinterest, and the only thing required to make a crib was paper. Back then I made a small paper crib in the clinic and everybody loved it.”
In a time when religion is a contentious subject, Dr Mohammed believes in kindness. From studying in a convent school and celebrating Christmas and Easter to attending Ganpati Visarjans, Dr Mohammad has done it all.
He believes in what the Dalai Lama’s says - “This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness”.
He adds, “I have been privileged enough to have experienced being among different communities and celebrating each festival. I have great friendships with the Gujaratis, celebrating Navratri and Dandiya, and worked with Jains, experiencing their peaceful practices. I have also been part of aartis and kirtans, visiting temples and having friends over for Eid. It uplifts my spirit.”
The origami crib at Don Bosco Animation Centre in Benaulim must not be missed. You can experience it in person as it will be up till January 7, 2025, and can be visited till 6.30 pm.