The Resurgence of Pink Meenakari Rakhis: A Craftsmanship Revival

During this year’s Rakhi festival, the market was abuzz with silver Rakhis and there was a high demand for Rakhis crafted from 500-year-old pink Meenakari. Over twenty-five thousand Rakhis, valued at nearly three crores of rupees, were dispatched from Banaras to various locations across the country and globally. Kunj Bihari, the recipient of the Pink Meenakari National Award, mentioned that in the past three months alone, more than ten thousand Rakhis were distributed to different regions worldwide. Rakhis of various kinds are creating a stir in markets nationwide. It’s intriguing to ponder how Rakhis were crafted in eras without plastic or synthetic materials; these ancient artisans meticulously fashioned Rakhis from gold, silver, and precious gemstones. The skilled artisans specializing in pink enamel work have resided in the Gaighat area of Banaras for five centuries. Despite the steep costs leading to the near extinction of this craft, governmental initiatives have revitalized it over the past decade. This Rakhi festival, the demand for pink Meenakari Rakhis is soaring. Over twenty-five thousand Rakhis, amounting to approximately three crores in value, were exported from Banaras to both domestic and international markets. Kunj Bihari, the awardee of the Pink Meenakari National Award, has been tirelessly working for the past three months, dispatching over ten thousand Rakhis to various locations worldwide. The majority of the domestic demand hails from major cities, with Europe and America also showcasing significant interest.