New Delhi: Prime Minister Modi gifted his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida who is in an official, a 'Krishna Pankhi', a sandalwood artefact made in Rajasthan with intricate detailing. Its windows depict different poses of Lord Krishna which epitomise love, compassion and tenderness.
Official sources noted that the 'Pankhi' is intricately carved with traditional tools and has a hand-carved peacock figure at the top, India's national bird, reported PTI.
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There is a small 'ghungaroo' (small traditional bell) on its edges which moves with the flow of wind and has four concealed windows with more intricate carvings inside. This carving was made with precision by artisans in Churu, Rajasthan, who carved the already impressive sandalwood artefact into a beautiful and elegant masterpiece of art. The hand-carving also has the traditional 'jali' design.
The hand carving is made in pure sandalwood, which is found in the southern parts of India. Sandalwood is known for its distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries, as it remains for decades.
In India, sandalwood is also used as a worship material and for its medicinal properties.
Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida is on a two-day visit to India, March 19 and 20, to take part in the 14th India-Japan Annual Summit.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Thursday said that the India-Japan summit will be held on March 19. This is going to be the first meeting of the two leaders, Bagchi said.