Varanasi, Nov. 6 -- The famous stick-on Lakshmi-Ganesh idols of Kashi, uniquely crafted using the sacred soil of the River Ganga, are poised to receive the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, with the formal hearing on the Banaras Clay Craft application now completed.

The traditional craft, which represents a synthesis of ancient folk art, religious faith, and Banarasi craftsmanship, is currently awaiting final registration.

According to Padma Shri awardee Dr. Rajnikant, widely regarded as the 'GI Man of India', these handcrafted idols hold immense religious and cultural significance, especially during Diwali. Devotees traditionally install these idols in households and commercial establishments to pray for prosperity, peace, ...