India, Dec. 4 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
Embodying the spirit of "One India, Best India," Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 is currently in full swing at Namo Ghat, showcasing its cultural grandeur, where the ancient traditions of North India and the deep connection between Tamil culture and culture are coming alive. Based on the theme of "Tamil Karakalam," the event carries the message of cultural dialogue, knowledge, tradition, and preservation of artistic heritage.
Stall number 29, decorated by Varanasi's renowned DC Handicrafts, is gaining immense popularity among visitors. Each artwork displayed at this stall not only bears testimony to Kashi's seven-generation-old woodworking tradition, but also tells an inspiring story of the struggle, dedication, and success of the artists behind them.
Om Prakash Sharma and Nand Lal Sharma of Varanasi are the seventh generation of artists practicing this unique woodcraft. Today, they are the city's sole custodians of this art, creating unique lifelike forms in wood through their skillful hands and years of practice. They are not only traditional artisans but also teachers of woodcraft, conducting workshops at several prestigious institutions, including NIFT Raebareli, to preserve this heritage. But their journey wasn't always easy. There was a time when they were deeply depressed due to financial difficulties and declining demand for this art. Then, in 2014, the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave their lives a new turn.
The Prime Minister personally encouraged him, inspired him to keep his legacy alive, and provided him with the opportunity to bring his art to national and international recognition through major platforms like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Nand Lal Sharma says the Prime Minister's inspirational message not only gave him hope but also a new vision and direction, and today his art is receiving acclaim both domestically and internationally.
DC Handicrafts' woodwork is not only beloved in India but has also made its presence felt on international platforms. The gift of their masterpiece, "Raj Gaddi - Ram Darbar," by the Prime Minister of India to Indonesian President Joko Widodo during the 2022 G7 Summit is a matter of great pride for Varanasi's art tradition. Visitors to this stall at Namo Ghat are seen enthusiastically embracing the local art.
Visitor Shivam Singh purchased wooden key rings for all his family members and expressed his delight at receiving such a delicate, beautiful, and affordable piece of art, which he considers a priceless gift from Varanasi's heritage. The stall's most striking feature is its magnificent Panchmukhi Hanuman idol, crafted entirely by hand, without any machinery, over six months of practice. Costing approximately Rs.120,000, the sculpture is crafted using a combination of woods like kalma, kadam, and gulur, whose color and fragrance resemble sandalwood. The artist explains that his miniature woodwork can only be created in natural sunlight between 12 and 2 pm, as artificial light doesn't allow for such fine detail. This fact makes his art even more mysterious and unique.
The DC Handicrafts stall at Kashi Tamil Sangamam 4.0 at Namo Ghat is not just a commercial exhibition, but a vibrant platform showcasing Indian tradition, craftsmanship, patience, and cultural pride. The journey of Om Prakash and Nand Lal Sharma proves that when hard work, tradition, and the right direction combine, local art not only gains national recognition but also shines on global platforms. This stall truly embodies the spirit of Kashi Tamil Sangamam, which aims to unite India's diversity and pass on its cultural roots to new generations.
Disclaimer: The original story of this translated version is available on Press Information Bureau.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
