In anticipation of the grand opening of Ayodhya’s Ram temple on January 22, master craftsman Rameshwar Singh and his team in Varanasi are working tirelessly to craft wooden replicas of the sacred monument. Over the last 37 months, Singh has dispatched approximately 75,000 wooden models to Ayodhya, with another consignment set to be sent on January 14.
The demand for these divine replicas gained momentum since October 2020 when Singh received his initial order for over 500 wooden models. Known for his intricate wooden toys, Singh has engaged over two dozen craftsmen to ensure the growing demand is met.
The wooden models are available in four price categories, ranging from ₹500 for the smaller versions to ₹2,700 for the largest models. The process, from carving to assembly, takes approximately three days.
Craftswomen Meena and Monika, involved in polishing and adding finishing touches, expressed how the rising demand has provided them with consistent work, earning them an average of ₹200 daily. With the approaching inauguration of the temple, the demand is expected to surge even further, generating more employment opportunities.
Rajnikant, a Geographical Indication (GI) expert from Kashi, highlighted the significance of the wooden models, noting their GI product status. He emphasized the parallel with Kashi’s craftsmen producing wooden models of the Kashi Vishwanath Dham, stating that models of the Ram temple are already highly sought after.
The wooden toy industry, presently valued at ₹15-18 crore annually, is poised for a 30% growth, according to the GI expert.
