Latest news with #GulabiMeenakari
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cantt sidewalk to display cultural heritage of Kashi
Varanasi: In an initiative aimed at merging tourism with tradition, a 500-metre-long sidewalk stretch along Mall Road—from JHV Mall to Victory Bridge—is set to be transformed into a vibrant cultural corridor showcasing the handicrafts, GI-tagged and ODOP (One District One Product) products of Kashi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The project, jointly undertaken by the Varanasi Development Authority (VDA) and the Cantonment Board, will feature sculptures made from scrap representing iconic Varanasi crafts such as wooden lacquerware toys, pink enamel (Gulabi Meenakari) work, and Banarasi sarees. The area, known as a hub of hotels and a preferred stay zone for lakhs of tourists annually, is being developed to promote local artisans and create a more engaging experience for visitors. VDA Vice President Pulkit Garg said the sidewalk redevelopment will also address the issue of unorganised parking that currently inconveniences pedestrians on this key tourist route. The initiative will not only streamline foot traffic but also serve as a cultural experience centre. "Mall Road connects many hotels and receives high tourist footfall. We are creating a modern, safe, and culturally rich pedestrian space that promotes our GI-tagged goods while offering tourists a memorable walking experience," Garg said. The redesigned stretch will include a 2.5-metre-wide pedestrian path, signage about nearby tourist attractions, seating areas, landscaping, dedicated selfie points, decorative lighting, and designated parking zones to improve accessibility and ambiance. Officials said use of scrap materials to create art installations not only highlights sustainability but also provides a creative platform for local artists and artisans. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The integration of traditional art with modern urban planning is what makes this initiative special," said an official involved in the planning process. Once completed, the cultural sidewalk is expected to become a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists, enhancing Varanasi's profile as not just a spiritual hub, but also a centre for heritage tourism and local craftsmanship.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Craftsmen of Kashi create Brahmos replica with Gulaabi Meenakari
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India] May 19 (ANI): In Operation Sindoor, the indigenously made missile Brahmos had given Pakistan a hard time. The whole country is proud of this indigenously made missile. On one hand, Tiranga Yatra is going on in the entire country, on the other hand, the artists of Varanasi have not only boosted the morale of the army by making the replica Brahmos missile through the art of Gulabi Meenakari. The artists of Varanasi, who are known all over the world for their art through Gulabi Meenakari, have also tried to give a big message by making the replica of the Brahmos missile. The artists of Varanasi have not only promoted this indigenously made missile but have also encouraged the scientists who made it. This type of Brahmos missile replica is also liked by customers. That is why this artist is getting orders for Brahmos missiles in large quantities. Gulabi Meenakari artist Vijay Kunj Bihari Singh, who is also a national awardee, says he has received many orders for the pink enamel Brahmos missile since its creation. It is dedicated to Narendra Modi, Yogi Adityanath, and the Indian Army. Speaking exclusively to ANI, Kunj Bihari said, 'After the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Army showed its might and defeated Pakistan with its Operation Sindoor. 11 air bases of Pakistan were destroyed. The role of the Brahmos missile is important. That is why I have chosen to make the Brahmos missile. I have paid tribute to the bravery of the Indian Army through my art. Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes care of his country not only on the strategic front but also on the economic front. Yogi Adityanath included pink enamel in ODOP. Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought pink enamel from the streets of Banaras to the world stage. We have an order for 150 Brahmos missiles made of pink enamel. Which has to be completed within a month. A team of 20 people is continuously engaged in making this artwork.' Kunj Bihari said it takes an artist a week to make one Brahmos missile replica of pink enamel, 'The way things made of pink meenakari have been making a splash abroad, in the same way, I am hopeful that the orders for Brahmos missiles made of pink meenakari are coming from all over the country right now, in future, it will also get orders from abroad.' Additionally, Kunj Bihari said, 'This is the first time that people are feeling proud to gift a Brahmos missile made of pink meenakari to someone and keep it in their homes. Pink meenakari got the GI tag in 2015. In November 2020, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath included it in ODOP under One District, One Product. Since then, this craft has become more famous and is constantly progressing. Its colours are made from metal oxide, which is mixed with glass pieces. The most special colour is pink, which is made from gold oxide. It is mixed and applied with sandalwood oil. The blue colour is heated at 850 degrees. White titanium, green copper, yellow band, and brown magnesium are made from Gobald oxide. This artwork is made only of pure silver.' 'Brahmos missile is a joint venture of India and Russia; it is a combined name of India's Brahmaputra River and Russia's Moskva River. Russia has always supported India. Brahmos missile is manufactured in India only. On 11th May, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and the country's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the integrated factory of Brahmos missile in Lucknow. That is why I chose the indigenous missile which is made in our country and I feel very proud in making it, I salute the Indian Army and their city. We cannot find a better example than this to salute our art and the voice of the Indian Army.' Kunj Bihari said. (ANI)
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gulabi Meenakari: Kashi's ODOP, GI-tagged craft is in pink of health
Varanasi: The GI-tagged Gulabi Meenakari , or pink enameling , an ODOP ( One District One Product ) from Varanasi, is gradually establishing its presence in domestic and international markets. The growth in the business prospects of this traditional handicraft is particularly notable after encouragement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Banarasi Gulabi Meenakari joined the coveted GI club in 2015 and the recognition helped revive the art form, which was struggling with declining demand and counterfeit products. Gulabi Meenakari was designated ODOP (One District One Product) status by Uttar Pradesh govt in 2018. ODOP initiative was launched in Jan 2018 to promote traditional crafts from each of the state's 75 districts. Padma Shri Rajnikant said currently, annual business of Banaras pink enameling is of around Rs 12 crore to Rs 15 crore. The ancient craft involves around 250 to 300 people, with 30% being women. Efforts by the central and state govts revived this craft, providing employment to thousands of people. The work of pink enameling primarily takes place in the lanes of Varanasi's Gayghat, Kalbhairav, Pakka Mahal and other areas. National and state awardees like Ramesh Vishwakarma, Tarun, Jaya Singh, Poonam, Meena Devi, Balram Das, Shyam Das, Amar Nath Verma, and Arun Verma said the dying art revived thanks to the policies of govt. In addition to training, loans and grants, govt is creating a market through marketing efforts. This has led to many young artisans who turned away from this craft to re-engage with it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Orders are now coming in from domestic and international markets, said national awardee Kunj Bihari, adding that on Akshaya Tritiya, orders for various kundan pink enameling products have come from both domestic and international markets. Women's jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, rings and anklets are prominent. Additionally, people are choosing these products for wedding and return gifts. Demand for pink enameling in corporate gifting has also increased. PM Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have become brand ambassadors for GI and ODOP products, bringing UP's handicrafts to the global market, as they presented local handicrafts to foreign guests on many occasions. Gulabi meenakari is a unique art form of Varanasi, which is considered most alluring and technical of all metal decorations. National Museum of India, New Delhi and Bharat Kala Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University, have collections of this art, which is characterised by pink strokes on white enamel. According to specification in the GI notification, Banaras Gulabi Meenakari is basically an ancient form of art in India that was praised since its introduction for superb designs and combination of colours. It is said to have been introduced in Varanasi by Persian enamellists who came to India in the early 17th century at the peak of the Mughal court.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gulabi meenakari from Varanasi expands in domestic and international markets
VARANASI: The GI-tagged Gulabi Meenakari , or pink enameling, an ODOP (One District One Product) from Varanasi , is gradually establishing its presence in the domestic and international markets. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This growth is particularly notable after the positive gesture shown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP chief minister towards this traditional craft. The Gulabi Meenakari of Banaras joined the coveted GI club in 2015. This recognition helped revive the art form, which was struggling with declining demand and counterfeit products. The Gulabi Meenakari was designated as an ODOP (One District One Product) by the Uttar Pradesh govt in 2018. The ODOP initiative was launched in January 2018 to promote traditional crafts from each of the state's 75 districts. Padma Shri Rajnikant said that currently, the annual business of Banaras pink enameling exceeds Rs. 12 crores to Rs. 15 crores. This ancient craft involves around 250 to 300 people, with 30% being women. Efforts by the central and state govts revived this craft, providing employment to thousands of people. The work of pink enameling primarily takes place in the lanes of Varanasi's Gayghat, Kalbhairav, Pakka Mahal, and other areas. National and state awardees like Ramesh Vishwakarma , Tarun, Jaya Singh, Poonam, Meena Devi Balram Das, Shyam Das, Amar Nath Verma, and Arun Verma said that this dying art revived due to the policies of the govt. In addition to training, loans, and grants, the govt is also creating a market through marketing efforts. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This has led to many young artisans who turned away from this craft re-engaging with it. Orders are now coming in from both domestic and international markets, said the national awardee Kunj Bihari, adding that on Akshaya Tritiya, orders for various kundan pink enameling products have come from both domestic and international markets. Women's jewellery such as necklaces, earrings, rings, and anklets are prominent. Additionally, people are choosing these products for wedding gifts and return gifts. The demand for pink enameling in corporate gifting has also increased. PM Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath have become brand ambassadors for GI and ODOP products, bringing Uttar Pradesh's handicrafts to the global market, as they presented local handicrafts to foreign guests on many occasions. Gulabi meenakari is a unique art form of Varanasi, which is considered the most alluring and technical of all metal decorations. The National Museum of India, New Delhi, and Bharat Kala Bhawan, Banaras Hindu University, have collections of this art. It is characterised by pink strokes on white enamel. According to the specification given in the GI notification, Banaras Gulabi meenakari is basically an ancient form of art in India that was praised since its introduction for the superb designs and combination of colours. It is characterised by pink strokes on white enamel. Unlike the vibrant enameling in red, green, and blue of Jaipur and Delhi, where the white enamel is left stark, the Varanasi craftsmen delicately add pink to the predominant white enamel. The motifs have been lotus blooms and buds. It is said to have been introduced in Varanasi by Persian enamellists who came to India in the early 17th century at the peak of the Mughal court.
