India’s cultural and geographical diversity shines through its Geographical Indication (GI) Tags, which celebrate products unique to specific regions for their distinct qualities, craftsmanship, or heritage. From 2023 to 2025, India added a remarkable array of products to its GI registry, showcasing its rich traditions in agriculture, handicrafts, textiles, and food. This post dives into the GI-tagged products from this period, offering a state-wise breakdown, fascinating facts, and a glimpse into why these tags matter. Let’s make it memorable with tables, engaging details, and some intriguing tidbits!
GI Tags of 2023-25: A State-Wise Breakdown
Below is a comprehensive list of GI-tagged products from 2023 to 2025, categorized by state or Union Territory, along with their unique features. The products range from agricultural marvels to intricate handicrafts and delectable sweets, reflecting India’s vibrant heritage.
Table 1: GI-Tagged Products (2023-25) by State/UT
| State/UT | Product | Category | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad, Gujarat | Saudagiri Block Print | Handicraft | Vibrant hand-block printing technique known for intricate patterns. |
| Tripura | Rignai Pachara, Risa | Textile (Tribal Costume) | Traditional dresses worn during special occasions, reflecting Tripura’s tribal heritage. |
| Maharashtra | Sitar, Tanpura | Handicraft (Musical) | Iconic stringed instruments crafted with precision, integral to Indian classical music. |
| Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu | Kumbakonam Betel Leaf | Agricultural | Aromatic betel leaf used in rituals and chewing, known for its unique flavor. |
| Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu | Thovalai Flower Garland | Handicraft | Exquisite garlands made with vibrant flowers, used in ceremonies. |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Willow Bat, Saffron (Kishtwar) | Handicraft, Agricultural | Lightweight cricket bats and high-quality saffron with rich aroma. |
| Meghalaya | Handloom Product ‘Rindia’, Lakdong Haldi, Larnai Pottery | Textile, Agricultural, Handicraft | Rindia’s intricate weaves, high-curcumin turmeric, and traditional pottery. |
| Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Shehnai, Tiranga Barfi, Dhalua Murti Metal Casting | Handicraft, Food, Handicraft | Iconic wind instrument, tricolor sweet, and intricate metal sculptures. |
| Andaman-Nicobar | Virgin Coconut Oil | Agricultural | Pure, nutrient-rich oil from pristine islands, used in cooking and cosmetics. |
| Gujarat | Gharchola, Ajrakh Print, Kachhi Kharek | Textile, Handicraft, Agricultural | Traditional sarees, block-printed fabrics, and sweet, high-quality dates. |
| Ladakh | Pashmina Wool, Sea Buckthorn Fruit, Wood Carving Art | Textile, Agricultural, Handicraft | Luxurious wool, nutrient-packed fruit, and intricately carved wooden artifacts. |
| Mathura, Uttar Pradesh | Sanjhi Craft | Handicraft | Delicate paper-cutting art used in religious and decorative settings. |
| Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh | Flute | Handicraft (Musical) | Bamboo flutes known for their melodious tones, crafted by skilled artisans. |
| Madhya Pradesh | Gond Painting | Handicraft | Vibrant tribal art depicting nature and folklore, rich in cultural symbolism. |
| Assam | Manjuli Masks, Manuscript Paintings, Chokua Rice, Gamocha | Handicraft, Agricultural, Textile | Traditional masks, ancient paintings, aromatic rice, and iconic woven cloth. |
| Odisha | Silver Filigree (Chandi Tarkashi), Dhenkanal Maji, Red Aunt Chutney, Rayagada Shawl, Koraput Black Cumin Rice, Rasabali Sweets | Handicraft, Food, Agricultural, Textile | Intricate silver work, creamy sweet, tangy ant chutney, vibrant shawls, and unique rice. |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Monpa Handmade Paper, Wancho Crafts, Yak Churpi, Khamti Rice, Tangsa Textile | Handicraft, Food, Agricultural, Textile | Eco-friendly paper, tribal crafts, chewy yak cheese, aromatic rice, and vibrant textiles. |
| Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh | Besan Ka Laddoo | Food | Rich, gram-flour-based sweet, a festive favorite in the holy city. |
| West Bengal | Kadiyal Saree | Textile | Elegant sarees with intricate borders, reflecting Bengal’s weaving heritage. |
| Uttarakhand | Berinag Tea | Agricultural | High-altitude tea with a distinct aroma, grown in the Kumaon region. |
| Goa | Cashew, Bebinka, Mankurad Mango | Agricultural, Food | Premium cashews, layered dessert, and juicy mangoes with a unique flavor. |
| Tamil Nadu | Salem Sago, Kanyakumari Matty Banana, Ooty Varkey | Agricultural, Food | Versatile sago, sweet bananas, and crispy baked biscuits from the Nilgiris. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Jalesar Metal Craft | Handicraft | Ornate metalwork known for durability and intricate designs. |
| Rajasthan | Usta Kala Crafts (Bikaner), Bandhej Kala (Jodhpur), Kofratgiri Metal Crafts (Udaipur) | Handicraft | Camel leather art, tie-dye textiles, and embossed metalwork with royal aesthetics. |
Table 2: Categories of GI-Tagged Products (2023-25)
| Category | Products |
|---|---|
| Agricultural | Kumbakonam Betel Leaf, Kachhi Kharek, Lakdong Haldi, Saffron (Kishtwar), Sea Buckthorn Fruit, Berinag Tea, Yak Churpi, Khamti Rice, Koraput Black Cumin Rice, Kanyakumari Matty Banana, Mankurad Mango, Chokua Rice, Virgin Coconut Oil, Cashew, Salem Sago |
| Handicraft | Saudagiri Block Print, Sitar, Tanpura, Thovalai Flower Garland, Willow Bat, Shehnai, Gharchola, Ajrakh Print, Sanjhi Craft, Flute, Gond Painting, Dhalua Murti Metal Casting, Manjuli Masks, Manuscript Paintings, Silver Filigree, Wancho Crafts, Larnai Pottery, Wood Carving Art, Jalesar Metal Craft, Usta Kala Crafts, Bandhej Kala, Kofratgiri Metal Crafts |
| Textile | Rignai Pachara, Risa, Handloom Product ‘Rindia’, Pashmina Wool, Kadiyal Saree, Rayagada Shawl, Tangsa Textile, Gamocha, Dongria Kondh Shawl |
| Food | Tiranga Barfi, Dhenkanal Maji, Besan Ka Laddoo, Red Aunt Chutney, Rasabali Sweets, Bebinka, Ooty Varkey |
Fascinating Facts About GI-Tagged Products
- Saudagiri Block Print (Gujarat): This centuries-old craft uses hand-carved wooden blocks to create intricate patterns. Did you know that artisans often use natural dyes, making it eco-friendly and sustainable?
- Rignai Pachara & Risa (Tripura): These tribal costumes are woven by women artisans and are so vibrant that they’re often worn during festivals to symbolize cultural pride. The intricate patterns tell stories of Tripura’s indigenous communities.
- Sitar and Tanpura (Maharashtra): These instruments are not just musical tools but cultural icons, often handcrafted over weeks to achieve perfect resonance. Fun fact: The sitar was popularized globally by Ravi Shankar!
- Kumbakonam Betel Leaf (Tamil Nadu): Known as “Vetrilai,” this leaf is a staple in South Indian rituals. Its unique aroma comes from the fertile soil of Thanjavur, making it a sought-after product.
- Willow Bat (Jammu & Kashmir): Crafted from lightweight willow wood, these cricket bats are a favorite among players for their durability and balance. Kashmir’s willow is considered world-class!
- Pashmina Wool (Ladakh): Sourced from Changthangi goats, this wool is so fine that an entire shawl can pass through a ring! It’s a luxury textile with global demand.
- Red Aunt Chutney (Odisha): Made from red weaver ants, this chutney is a tribal delicacy packed with protein and a tangy flavor. It’s a testament to Odisha’s unique food culture.
- Tiranga Barfi (Varanasi): Inspired by the Indian flag, this tricolor sweet is linked to the Quit India Movement, blending patriotism with culinary art.
- Yak Churpi (Arunachal Pradesh): This chewy yak cheese is a high-protein snack for Himalayan nomads, often used to sustain energy in harsh climates.
- Ooty Varkey (Tamil Nadu): These crispy biscuits from the Nilgiris are a colonial-era recipe, loved for their buttery texture and perfect tea-time pairing.
The Impact of GI Tags
- Economic Growth: In Varanasi alone, GI-tagged products like Banaras Thandai and Shehnai contribute to an annual turnover of ₹25,500 crores, supporting over 20 lakh artisans.
- Global Reach: Products like Kashmir Saffron and Pashmina Wool are now recognized in international markets, boosting exports and tourism.
- Sustainability: Crafts like Monpa Handmade Paper and Larnai Pottery promote eco-friendly practices, preserving traditional methods while supporting the environment.
Memory Tip: To recall the diversity of GI tags, think of India as a giant cultural mosaic—each state adds a unique piece, from textiles (like Pashmina) to food (like Tiranga Barfi) and crafts (like Gond Painting). Visualize a colorful map where every region glows with its signature product!
Challenges and Future of GI Tags
While GI tags are a boon, challenges remain:
- Awareness: Many artisans are unaware of GI benefits or the registration process.
- Counterfeiting: Unauthorized use of GI names persists in some markets.
- Marketing: Small-scale producers often lack access to global markets.
The future looks bright, though! With initiatives like GI help desks at Weavers Service Centres and growing digital platforms like iTokri, artisans are gaining visibility.
Conclusion
The GI tags of 2023-25 celebrate India’s unparalleled diversity, from the delicate Sanjhi Craft of Mathura to the robust Yak Churpi of Arunachal Pradesh. These tags are more than just labels—they’re a tribute to the artisans, farmers, and communities who keep India’s heritage alive. By supporting GI-tagged products, we preserve traditions, empower local economies, and share India’s story with the world.
Call to Action: Next time you shop, look for GI-tagged products—whether it’s a Kadiyal Saree or Kanyakumari Matty Banana—and celebrate India’s incredible legacy!
What is a GI Tag?
A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag is a form of intellectual property right under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, which identifies products originating from a specific region where their quality, reputation, or characteristics are tied to their geographic origin. The first product to receive a GI tag in India was Darjeeling Tea in 2004, and by March 2024, India had registered 635 GI-tagged products, with over 160 added in 2023-24 alone
GI tags protect artisans and producers by preventing unauthorized use, boosting local economies, and promoting cultural heritage globally. They’re like a badge of authenticity, ensuring that only products from their designated regions can carry the name.
Why GI Tags Matter
- Cultural Preservation: GI tags safeguard traditional knowledge and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
- Economic Boost: They enhance market value, often commanding premium prices in domestic and international markets.
- Global Recognition: Products like Kashmir Saffron and Banarasi Sarees gain international acclaim.
- Protection Against Imitation: GI tags legally prevent knock-offs, ensuring authenticity.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Similipal Kai Chutney, made from red weaver ants in Odisha, received a GI tag in January 2024? It’s a tribal delicacy
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