As part of the 25th Central Zonal Council meeting, Varanasi will host a special exhibition on Tuesday, June 24, at the Taj Hotel, showcasing 10 Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged products unique to the region.
The display highlights a diverse array of local crafts, including Banaras Brocade and Saree; Banaras Zardozi; Gulabi Meenakari; Glass Beads; Metal Repoussé and Casting crafts; Wooden Lacquerware and Toys; Banaras Wood Carving; Soft Stone Jali Work; and Hand Block Print.
Uttar Pradesh leads the nation with 77 GI-registered items, while Purvanchal alone accounts for 32 GI-tagged goods, supporting nearly 2 million artisans and generating ₹25,500 crore annually. Padma Shri Dr. Rajni Kant, known as the “GI Man of India,” called the event a proud moment for Varanasi, providing artisans with a national stage.
The exhibition, scheduled alongside the high-profile meeting—attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, UP CM Yogi Adityanath, and chiefs from Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh—seeks to elevate the region’s craft heritage.
GI certification guarantees authenticity and legal protection for these products, bolstering Varanasi’s “Vocal for Local” movement and supporting initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP). “GI tags protect intellectual property and economic rights of artisans,” experts highlight.
In addition to product displays, interactive elements like live demonstrations and trade facilitation efforts are expected to engage attendees, fostering connections between craftspeople, buyers, and policymakers. This exhibition underscores a growing focus on leveraging heritage crafts for socio-economic development while preserving cultural identity.
By spotlighting these 10 GI-tagged crafts, the Varanasi exhibition reinforces the city’s status as a cultural epicenter and reaffirms the power of traditional arts to drive local prosperity.
