With BrahMos replica, Kashi pink enamel craft shoots to bigger fame
Varanasi: The demand for pink enamelled
as souvenirs and home decoration items rose significantly, especially after their use in Operation Sindoor and the inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility in Lucknow.
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By spreading the message of patriotism, the artisans involved in the production of these GI and ODOP items are crafting this piece in Kashi.
This creation showcases a remarkable blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, said National Award-winning pink enamelling artisan Kunj Bihari Singh, who crafted the BrahMos figurine. "This creation of mine is dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who are also brand ambassadors of our art and products on behalf of all artisans," he said, mentioning that artisans wish to present this unique object of art to the PM and CM.
He recalled how Yogi govt revitalised pink enamelling by providing work to every artisan, allowing this GI and ODOP craft to gain global recognition. Orders for this replica could boost local artisans and the economy. The annual turnover for pink enamelling is approximately 12 to 15 crores, involving over 250 artisans. During inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, there was an increased demand for Ram Temple models crafted with Banaras' pink enamelling.
Now, artisans are receiving a growing demand for BrahMos missile replicas. Currently, hundreds of orders have been received from various parts of the country. The price for these crafts, available in different sizes, ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs 25,000. State Award-winning artisans Shalini Yadav and Prabhat Vishwakarma said these objects are made with intricate use of gold and silver, requiring significant time to create.
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Artisans Babu Soni and Deepak Vishwakarma said the Banarasi pink enamelling products are highly favoured as gifts, souvenirs and home decorations, with orders coming in throughout the year. PM Narendra Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath frequently present
to foreign diplomats and dignitaries, encouraging others to do the same.
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