Ayodhya Dhwaj Ceremony Sparks Soaring Demand for Gulabi Meenakari Ram Mandir Replicas
As Ayodhya prepares for the Ram Mandir Dhwaj ceremony, demand rises sharply for Gulabi Meenakari Ram Mandir replicas handcrafted by Kashi artisans.
Gulabi Meenakari artisans in Kashi crafting Ram Mandir replicas as demand rises ahead of Ayodhya’s Dhwaj ceremony.
As preparations intensify in Ayodhya ahead of the sacred Dhwaj ceremony at the Ram Mandir, a remarkable surge in demand is being witnessed for handcrafted Gulabi Meenakari replicas of the temple. Artisans from Kashi, known for preserving one of India’s oldest and most intricate craft traditions, are working overtime to meet a spike in domestic and international orders.
The GI-tagged handicraft — Gulabi Meenakari — has entered a new wave of global recognition, with miniature models of the Ram Mandir and Shri Kashi Vishwanath Mandir becoming the most sought-after pieces among devotees and collectors worldwide.
Orders Pour In From Across India and Overseas
State award-winning artisan Jaya Singh confirmed a massive rise in orders in the weeks leading up to the flag-hoisting ceremony.
“Before the Ram Mandir dhwaj event, we received more than 50 confirmed replica orders. Our team of over 20 artisans is working round-the-clock,” she said.
Orders are reportedly being placed from Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and other metro cities — along with a growing interest from NRIs and international patrons.
Craft in Spotlight at National Platforms
Gulabi Meenakari has also received prominent visibility thanks to national and state initiatives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have been vocal supporters of GI and ODOP products, often gifting Gulabi Meenakari art to foreign dignitaries.
Master artisans reveal that the craft has also reached India’s leading business conglomerates.
“Both Ambani and Adani families have showcased and promoted this art form at major events in Mumbai and abroad,” said artisan Arun Verma, who has participated in multiple exhibitions under these platforms.
Cultural Revival and Economic Boost
According to GI expert and Padma Shri awardee Rajni Kant, Gulabi Meenakari is seeing unprecedented revival in line with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Once considered a fading art form, it is now generating an estimated ₹12–15 crore in annual revenue, providing stable income to nearly 300 artisans, including about 30% women.
Government-backed GI tagging, ODOP support, and specialized training programs have helped many artisans secure permanent livelihoods.
A New Symbol of Heritage and Pride
The most popular masterpiece currently in demand — a 13×5.5×10.5 inch Ram Mandir replica — features a delicately crafted 1-inch Ramlala idol seated inside. Each piece takes days to complete, combining precision, cultural emotion, and skilled artistry.
With the Dhwaj ceremony approaching, the rise in demand signals not just religious sentiment but a renewed appreciation for India’s handcrafted heritage.
