Varanasi: A little clay from the Ganga, a splash of vibrant colours and crowns embellished with tiny ‘teelis’ — Kashi ’s iconic Lakshmi-Ganesh idols carry a legacy of faith and craftsmanship. Now, these distinctive Diwali favourites are a step closer to securing Geographical Indication (GI) recognition.
GI Man of India Rajni Kant, also a Padma Shri awardee, said the ‘Teeli Wale’ Lakshmi-Ganesh idols were not merely ritual objects but living symbols of Kashi’s faith, folk traditions and clay craftsmanship. The hearing on the GI application filed under Banaras Clay Craft has been completed, and registration is now awaited. These handmade idols hold deep religious and cultural significance, especially during Diwali, when devotees place them in homes and business establishments to invoke wealth, prosperity, peace and auspiciousness. Their distinct identity lies in their traditional form, vibrant hand-painted colours and crowns decorated with small ornamental sticks, locally known as ‘teeli’.
The Ganesh Puja tradition of the Peshwa family in Kashi and the public Ganeshotsav started at Brahmaghat in 1898 highlight the deep religious and cultural connection between the two regions. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Varanasi | Silver Rate in Varanasi | Bank Holidays in Varanasi | Public Holidays in Varanasi | Varanasi AQI | Weather in Varanasi | Petrol Price in Varanasi | Diesel Price in Varanasi | CNG Price in Varanasi | LPG Price in Varanasi Stay updated with the latest Varanasi news.
Rajni Kant said these idols are sent from Kashi to different parts of India and also reach Indian families and devotees abroad. The craft also reflects links with the Ganesh worship tradition of Maharashtra’s Maratha community. In Hindu tradition, Kashi is revered as the city of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesh, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is worshipped first as the remover of obstacles, while Goddess Lakshmi is regarded as the deity of wealth and prosperity. Idols made from the sacred soil of the Ganga represent a unique confluence of devotion, tradition and artistry. In localities such as Lakshmikund and surrounding areas, Prajapati and Kumhar artisan families have preserved this craft for generations. The process involves shaping the clay, firing the idols in traditional kilns, hand-painting them and decorating their crowns with teeli ornaments. Their demand rises significantly during the Diwali season. GI registration is expected to protect this rare heritage, give wider recognition to artisans, create new employment opportunities and expand the craft’s reach in national and international markets. Kashi’s ‘Teeli Wale’ Lakshmi-Ganesh idols stand as symbols of Indian faith, cultural unity and the enduring legacy of traditional handmade art. Download the TOI App.