UP’s GI gem: Global spotlight on Kashi’s Gulabi Meenakari at jewellery exhibition

Varanasi: Kashi's Gulabi Meenakari has put Uttar Pradesh's handicraft on the global map at the India International Jewellery Show Bharat Tritiya in Bengaluru, drawing attention from industry bigwigs.This international show of gems and jewellery, attended by participants from across the world, was organised by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council from March 21 to 23. National award winner Kunj Bihari Singh from Varanasi showcased this craft at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC). Chief minister Yogi Adityanath himself is the brand ambassador of Uttar Pradesh's GI products.GI expert and Padma Shri awardee Rajni Kant, popularly known as the GI Man of India, said that Gulabi Meenakari jewellery, which was once limited to the bylanes of Kashi and traditional weddings, is now establishing a strong identity in the global market. Jewellery crafted in this art form is known for its intricate craftsmanship, delicacy of colours, and traditional aesthetics.Singh said that Meenakari art is centuries old and is now gaining international recognition through such platforms. During this show, orders worth more than Rs 50 lakh have been received. There is also special demand for designs related to Ram Mandir, Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple and Meenakshi temple.According to Mithlesh Pandey, senior director of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, approximately 1,300 stalls were set up at the exhibition, drawing the attention of around 15,000 visitors from nearly 500 cities of India and 40 countries over three days.He said that the event not only provided business opportunities but also gave handicraft artisans respect and global recognition. Small artisans became economically empowered by showcasing their skills to the world. The 4th edition of the India International Jewellery Show Bharat Tritiya-2026 was one of the country's premier B2B jewellery exhibitions, which brought together excellent craftsmanship, innovation, and global trade on a single platform.Singh mentioned PM Modi gifted Gulabi Meenakari pieces to several dignitaries, including Kamala Harris, Scott Morrison, Shinzo Abe, and Emmanuel Macron's wife. These gifts showcase India's rich craftsmanship globally.CM Yogi also gifted Gulabi Meenakari artefacts to several dignitaries, including Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, PM Modi, megastar Rajinikanth, and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. Recently, he also gifted PM Modi a Gulabi Meenakari artefact related to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He said that the process of Gulabi Meenakari is complex and specialised. Pure silver and gold are heated at approximately 800 degrees Celsius to refine them, while colours are prepared from metal oxides. With CM Yogi's promotion of GI tag products, he said Gulabi Meenakari has become a symbol of the state's cultural heritage and artisans' rights. This initiative is not only preserving this art but is also providing artisans with a dignified life and better livelihood. He said that this is the new Uttar Pradesh of the Yogi govt, where traditional handicrafts are being revived and given a new identity.