Gujarat’s rich craft traditions and cultural heritage are taking center stage in the 7th edition of the Prime Minister’s Mementos e-Auction, with 86 special items from the state featured among more than 1,300 gifts presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Launched in 2019, the e-auction gives citizens across India a chance to own unique gifts presented to the Prime Minister, with all proceeds supporting the Namami Gange Project, a flagship initiative to rejuvenate the Ganga River.
This year’s Gujarat collection reflects the state’s diverse artisanal traditions. Highlights include a Lippan art frame from Kutch, depicting Lord Ganesha with mirror-inlaid motifs symbolizing harmony with nature and community life. Practiced by communities such as the Rabari and Mutwa, Lippan art traditionally adorns walls to ward off evil spirits and embodies local folklore and spirituality.
Another striking piece is a Bhil tribal jacket, decorated with intricate white embroidery, circular motifs, stylized floral patterns, and vertical line designs—an ode to the artistic legacy of Gujarat’s tribal communities.
The collection also features a Mata ni Pachedi textile frame, a rare form of sacred art that serves as a portable shrine. The piece, created by the Vaghari community, depicts Devi Lakshmi at the center, surrounded by other deities, mythological figures, and devotees, using an interplay of red and black hues to narrate divine stories.
Other notable artifacts include Rogan art pieces, textile shawls, and paintings, each offering a glimpse into Gujarat’s history, faith, and everyday life.
All items are currently on display at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi, and bidding is open online at pmmementos.gov.in until October 2, 2025.