BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting to be Held in Varanasi on June 4-5, Showcasing Kashi’s GI and ODOP Heritage

In yet another milestone for Uttar Pradesh’s growing global profile, Varanasi—one of the world’s oldest living cities and the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi—will host the second meeting of the BRICS Culture Working Group on June 4 and 5.

The high-level international gathering will be held at the Taj Hotel in Varanasi and will bring together senior diplomats, policymakers, cultural experts, and distinguished delegates from BRICS member nations and partner countries.

Following the successful hosting of multiple G20 meetings, Kashi is once again preparing to present its rich cultural heritage on a global stage. The event underscores Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a key destination for international conferences and cultural diplomacy under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

GI-Tagged and ODOP Products to Take Centre Stage

A major highlight of the two-day meeting will be a special exhibition featuring Varanasi’s globally renowned Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged and One District One Product (ODOP) items.

Six master artisans will showcase six iconic products that reflect Kashi’s centuries-old craftsmanship and cultural legacy:

• Banaras Gulabi Meenakari Craft
• Banaras Brocade and Saree
• Varanasi Soft Stone Jali Work
• Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys
• Banaras Metal Repousse Craft
• Banaras Glass Beads

The exhibition is expected to provide international delegates with a deeper understanding of India’s traditional arts while creating new opportunities for local artisans to access global markets.

Boost to Local Economy and Exports

Officials believe the event will help strengthen export prospects for Varanasi’s traditional products while generating greater international visibility for local artisans, weavers, and craftsmen.

Over the years, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched several initiatives to preserve, promote, and market GI-tagged and ODOP products. These efforts have helped revive traditional crafts and create employment opportunities for thousands of artisans across the state.

Today, products from Kashi enjoy growing recognition not only across India but also in international markets.

Experts See Major Opportunity for Artisans

Padma Shri awardee and GI expert Rajnikant said the participation of representatives from BRICS countries presents a significant opportunity for local artists and entrepreneurs. He remarked “directly showcasing products before foreign delegates will enhance export possibilities and open new international markets. This will strengthen the local economy and provide a global identity to Kashi’s traditional crafts.”

National Award-winning artisan Rameshwar Singh, known for Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys, said international events offer artisans an unmatched platform to expand their reach. He added “the display of handicrafts at the BRICS meeting will help artisans take their skills from local markets to global markets.”

Similarly, National Awardee Kunj Bihari, associated with Gulabi Meenakari, credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for promoting traditional handicrafts and reviving fading art forms. He said “this exhibition will provide distinguished guests from India and abroad an opportunity to understand the richness of Kashi’s handicrafts. It will also increase possibilities of receiving new orders through this platform.”

Artisan Durga Prasad Patel, who specializes in Glass Beads, described the event as an opportunity to showcase India’s cultural heritage before the world, said “such occasions help take our heritage to new heights and strengthen the global recognition of our traditional crafts.”

BRICS Countries Participating

The BRICS grouping currently includes:

• Brazil
• China
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• India
• Indonesia
• Iran
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The meeting is expected to further strengthen cultural cooperation among BRICS nations while positioning Varanasi as a global centre for heritage, culture, and traditional craftsmanship.