During the consecration ceremony of Ram Lalla at the Ayodhya temple on January 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to present a gem-studded replica of the structure prepared by a pink enamel artisan from his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.

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“The replica of the Ram temple is one of the most unique offerings to Lord Ram as this art form is not found anywhere in the world except Varanasi,” said artisan Kunj Bihari Singh.

The replica is set to join the list of other gifts, including a 2,100 kg bell, a 108 feet long incense stick weighing 3,610 kg and others that have reached Ayodhya so far.

Speaking to News18, Singh said that it took about 108 days to prepare the replica of Ram temple. “The replica weighs approximately 2.5 kg and is made from 108 different parts made of pure silver and gold. “To give the temple a unique look, gems have also been inlaid in many of its parts,” Singh said.

Singh said he was trying to contact the UP government and request that the replica be presented by PM Modi during the ceremony.

‘The most unique gift’

Singh claimed that this replica would be one of the most unique gifts for Lord Ram on his homecoming. “It is rare art that makes it unique,” ​​Singh said.

What is pink enamel?

Singh claimed that pink enamel is one of the rarest forms of craftsmanship found only in Varanasi. Throwing light on its history, he said that it is a Persian art which is said to have originated in Iran. It was brought to India by Persian enamelists during the Mughal period. However, with time, it disappeared from other parts of the world, but not from Varanasi, where it still exists with the ‘Banarasi’ flavour.

‘Banarasi’ touch

He said that although the art of Meenakari originated in Persia, the people here gave it a ‘Banarasi’ touch by adding pink color to it. “The pink color comes from gold oxide. That’s how it got the name Gulabi Meenakari.”

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Gifted to US President Biden

This is not the first time that pink enamel artefacts have been presented. Earlier, PM Modi had gifted a pink enamel brooch and cufflinks to US President Joe Biden during the recent G7 summit in Germany in June 2022.

Kashi is home to about 80 families, including 400 women, settled in Gaye Ghat and other neighboring areas, where they work on these artefacts around the clock.