Varanasi: After successfully hosting several high-profile G20 events, the ancient city of Varanasi is set to welcome another major international gathering as the Second BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting takes place on June 4 and 5. The event is expected to further strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s emergence as a key destination for global diplomatic and cultural engagements under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
The two-day meeting, scheduled at the Taj Hotel in Varanasi, will bring together senior diplomats, policymakers, cultural experts, and distinguished delegates from BRICS member nations. The gathering is expected to focus on cultural cooperation, heritage preservation, and strengthening people-to-people ties among participating countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s parliamentary constituency, often regarded as the world’s oldest living city, will once again have an opportunity to present its rich cultural legacy before an international audience.
Special Exhibition of GI-Tagged and ODOP Products
A major highlight of the event will be a dedicated exhibition showcasing Varanasi’s globally acclaimed Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged and One District One Product (ODOP) items. The exhibition will feature six renowned craft traditions represented by master artisans, offering foreign delegates a close look at the city’s centuries-old craftsmanship and artistic heritage.
Among the products proposed for display are:
- Banaras Brocade and Saree
- Banaras Gulabi Meenakari Craft
- Varanasi Wooden Lacquerware and Toys
- Varanasi Soft Stone Jali Work
- Banaras Metal Repoussé Craft
- Banaras Glass Beads
Officials believe the exhibition will not only highlight the uniqueness of these products but also create new opportunities for local artisans to connect with international buyers and expand their presence in global markets.
Boost for Local Artisans and Export Opportunities
The Uttar Pradesh government has been actively promoting GI-tagged and ODOP products through various initiatives aimed at preservation, marketing, and export promotion. These efforts have helped thousands of artisans, weavers, and craftsmen gain wider recognition and access to new markets.
Experts associated with the handicrafts sector welcomed the opportunity. Rajnikant said international forums such as BRICS provide an important platform for showcasing traditional crafts and can help artisans take their products from local markets to global consumers.
Similarly, Rameshwar Singh, associated with Varanasi’s wooden lacquerware and toy craft, noted that direct interaction with foreign delegates could open new avenues for exports and business collaborations.
Kunj Bihari highlighted that the sustained promotion of GI and ODOP products by the central and state governments has revived several traditional art forms that were once facing decline. He expressed confidence that the exhibition would help attract international attention and generate fresh business opportunities for artisans.
Echoing similar sentiments, Durga Prasad Patel said such global events provide an invaluable opportunity to showcase India’s cultural heritage and elevate traditional crafts to new heights.
BRICS Membership and Cultural Cooperation
The BRICS grouping currently includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, along with newer members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and **Indonesia>.
Officials said the presence of representatives from these countries will offer local entrepreneurs and artisans an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their products directly to influential international stakeholders. The meeting is expected to strengthen Varanasi’s position as a global cultural hub while contributing to the promotion of Uttar Pradesh’s traditional industries and creative economy.
