Varanasi weaver gifts PM Modi silk-thread portrait with mother Heeraben
Synopsis
A Varanasi weaver spent one-and-a-half months crafting a pure silk-thread portrait of PM Modi being blessed by his late mother Heeraben — using the rare 'Uchand Kala' technique — as a birthday gift. It is both a personal tribute and a reminder of the living craft traditions of Kashi that still find expression in the most contemporary of themes.
Key Takeaways
Weaver Sarvesh Kumar Srivastava of Varanasi has created a pure silk-thread portrait of PM Narendra Modi and his late mother Heeraben Modi as a birthday gift.
The portrait uses the traditional 'Uchand Kala' technique, an ancient art form believed to date to the era of Lord Ram.
The artwork took approximately one-and-a-half months to complete.
Srivastava has previously gifted Banarasi sarees to the Prime Minister on past birthdays.
The portrait is intended to be presented to PM Modi on his birthday, 17 September , as a keepsake of Varanasi's weaving heritage.
A Varanasi-based weaver has crafted a deeply personal birthday tribute for Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a silk-thread portrait depicting him receiving the blessings of his late mother, Heeraben Modi. The artwork, created ahead of the Prime Minister's birthday on 17 September, blends Kashi's centuries-old weaving heritage with a poignant mother-son narrative.
The Artwork and Its Craft
Weaver Sarvesh Kumar Srivastava spent approximately one-and-a-half months completing the intricate portrait, which is fashioned entirely from pure Indian silk threads. The piece depicts Heeraben Modi bestowing her blessings upon the Prime Minister — an emotional moment rendered through the painstaking medium of traditional Banarasi weaving.
According to Srivastava, the portrait employs the technique of 'Uchand Kala', an ancient art form that practitioners believe traces its origins to the era of Lord Ram. The method demands extraordinary precision, making the finished piece as much a specimen of living heritage as it is a personal tribute.
Srivastava's Connection to the Prime Minister
This is not the first time Srivastava has sent a handcrafted gift to the Prime Minister. He has previously presented Banarasi sarees to PM Modi on his birthdays, establishing a tradition of honouring India's highest office through Varanasi's signature craft.
Speaking about the latest creation, Srivastava said the portrait was his way of honouring the Prime Minister while preserving a representation of his bond with his mother. 'Our Prime Minister is a great personality for India. If we say that we gained independence again in 2014, it would not be an exaggeration, because the work done under his leadership after 2014 by his government has been remarkable and highly commendable. I made a saree, and the portrait of PM Modi's mother giving blessings to him is a kind of work that can be framed and preserved,' he said.
Cultural Significance of Kashi's Weaving Tradition
Varanasi, long regarded as India's spiritual and cultural heartland, has for generations been home to artisans who have preserved traditional weaving techniques while adapting them to contemporary and commemorative themes. By channelling silk-thread artistry into a portrait of national significance, Srivastava adds to a line of craftspeople who have used their looms to express civic and patriotic sentiment.
The portrait is expected to be formally presented to PM Modi on the occasion of his birthday, offering a distinctive gift that brings together the region's renowned silk craftsmanship, an ancient art form, and a deeply personal theme. Whether it joins a formal archive or a private collection, Srivastava hopes the work will be preserved as a distinctive piece of traditional Indian artistry.
Point of View
In effect, a public demonstration of what handmade silk-thread artistry can still achieve.
NationPress
15 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What has the Varanasi weaver gifted PM Modi for his birthday?
Weaver Sarvesh Kumar Srivastava has gifted PM Narendra Modi a silk-thread portrait depicting him receiving blessings from his late mother Heeraben Modi. The portrait was crafted using the traditional 'Uchand Kala' technique and took around one-and-a-half months to complete.
What is 'Uchand Kala' and why is it significant?
'Uchand Kala' is an ancient Indian art form that practitioners believe has links to the era of Lord Ram. It involves intricate weaving using silk threads and is part of the rich artistic heritage associated with Varanasi (Kashi).
Has Sarvesh Kumar Srivastava gifted PM Modi before?
Yes, Srivastava has previously sent Banarasi sarees to PM Modi as birthday gifts, making this portrait the latest in an ongoing tradition of honouring the Prime Minister through Varanasi's signature craftsmanship.
What does the portrait depict?
The portrait shows PM Modi's late mother Heeraben Modi blessing her son — an emotional, personal moment rendered through intricate silk-thread weaving. The weaver said he hoped it would be framed and preserved as a keepsake.
Why is this gift culturally significant?
The portrait highlights Varanasi's centuries-old weaving tradition and the 'Uchand Kala' art form, both of which face pressure from industrialised production. By directing this craft toward a nationally recognised subject, Srivastava draws attention to the living heritage of Kashi's artisan community.
