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As the states of Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura celebrate their 53rd anniversary let’s have a look at the products that enhance the cultural, traditional and agricultural identity of these states. These GI Tags include traditional clothing, handlooms, food and agricultural items of these particular states.
Manipur
Chak-Hao
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Chak-Hao is a black and aromatic rice that has been cultivated in Manipur for decades. The naturally gluten-free and nutty-flavoured rice received the GI Tag in 2019. It is often used during community feasts to prepare kheer, porridge, dessert, bread, noodles, and traditional black rice cake. This special rice is also used in traditional medicine.
Tamenglong Orange
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The Tamenglong mandarin oranges are specifically grown in the hills of Tamenglong in Manipur and are larger in size as compared to the regular oranges. It was rewarded with the GI Tag in the year 2021 because of its unique sweet and sour flavour. It has a high juice content (around 45 per cent) and is rich in ascorbic acid.
Shaphee Lanphee
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Shaphee Lanphee is a traditional, handwoven, embroidered handloom usually made as a shawl. The fabric, mostly red and black in colour is decorated with stylized motifs like elephants, horses, buffalo horns, fish, suns, moons, stars, seats, spears, and peacocks which usually narrate a story. It was given the GI Tag in 2011.
Wangkhei Phee
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Wangkhei Phee is another traditional handloom of the state. It is hand-spun cotton yarn, usually woven by women. The fabric is transparent with geometric and floral patterns and often worn by women during weddings and other festive occasions. It was granted the GI Tag in 2011.
Moirang Phee
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Originating in Moirang village, Moriang Phee fabric is another treasured handloom of Manipur. It is known for its distinctive design, which is woven along the fabric's longitudinal edges. The technique for weaving the fabric is also unique, where 2 women weave it simultaneously. Usually, worn by women during festivals and community functions, this handloom received recognition in 2014.
Kachai Lemon
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Locally known as Kachai Champra, the Kachai Lemon is a type of lemon grown in the Kachai village of Ukhrul district in Manipur. These lemons have a higher content of Vitamin C due to the village's acidic soil and suitable climate for growing lemon trees. An interesting fact about this lemon is that an entire festival by the name 'Kachai Lemon Festival' is celebrated annually in the village. The Kacchai Champra got the tag of Geographical Indication in 2014.
Hathei Chilli
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The Hathei chilli, also known as the Sirarakhong chilli, received a Geographical Indication tag in 2021. This chilli is grown in Sirarakhong village in the Ukhrul district of Manipur. It is bright red in colour, grows up to 9 inches, is unique in taste and has a strong aroma.
Meghalaya
Lakadong Turmeric
Lakadong turmeric is a rare and high-quality variety of turmeric that is native to the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. Due to its high curcumin content and antioxidant properties, Lakadong Turmeric is not only the best turmeric for the face and skin but also has many health benefits. It received its tag in 2024.
Larnai Pottery
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Larnai pottery is a traditional black pottery, also made in the Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya. It is handcrafted by the women of the hill using a local generational technique of pounding, mixing, moulding and then shaping. The usual materials used in the making of these ports are black clay, green serpentine stones, and cow's skin. Larnai Pottery also received a GI Tag in 2023.
Garo Chubitch
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Garo Chubitch is a rice-based alcoholic beverage made by the Garo Tribe of Meghalaya. It’s a milky-coloured, home-brewed liquor made from rice or other grains and unlike other communities, this alcohol is used in religious rituals, social gatherings, and other occasions. It got the GI Tag in 2024
Meghalaya Garo Textile or Garo Dakmanda
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Another product from the Garo tribe that received the GI Tag in 2024 was Garo Textile. Garo textiles are woven on traditional looms using natural fibres like cotton and Endi silk. The patterns are symbolic and represent aspects of nature like mountains, rivers, and stars, printed with the same old technique going on for years. These Meghalayan textiles are used to make traditional garments like the Dakmanda, a lower wrapper worn by women, and the Gantap, a lower garment worn by men.
Khasi Mandarin
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Khasi Mandirin is grown in Khasi, Jaintia, and Lushia Hills of Meghalaya. It is a bright orange citrus orange that is known for its unique flavour, sweet juice, and hard peel. The texture and flavour of these oranges make them a good pick for jams. They received the GI Tag in 2014.
Memong Narang
Memang Narang, also known as the Indian Wild Orange is a rare, sour, and small citrus fruit similar to orange that is indigenous to the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is regarded as the most primitive citrus fruit and is presumed to be the ancestor of contemporary citrus fruits. It received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015.
Tripura
Tripura Sundari Peda
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The Matabari Pera, commonly known as 'Tripura Sundari Peda', is a traditional sweet made from milk and sugar. It is offered as 'prasad' at the Tripura Sundari Temple, also known as Matabari, located in Udaipur, Tripura. It received the GI Tag in 2024.
Rignai Pachra
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Rignai Pachra is a traditional handwoven cloth used by tribal women in Tripura as a lower garment. The term 'Rignai' translates to 'to wear'. Woven on handlooms at home, it reflects the rich textile heritage of the region. Beyond its daily use, Rignai Pachra holds symbolic value and is often presented as a gift to express love and respect. It also received the Geographical Indication in 2024.
Risa
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Risa is an upper garment woven with vibrant colours, carrying significant social and religious importance among Tripura's Indigenous communities. It is known for its multicoloured combinations and stylish designs. It is often presented to distinguished individuals as a mark of honour. It received its GI Tag status in 2022.
Queen Pineapple
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The Queen Pineapple, known for its distinct sweetness and flavour, is another notable product of Tripura on the list. It is spiny, golden yellow in colour and has a pleasant aroma that differentiates it from the other pineapples produced in the Northeast region. The Queen Pineapple got the GI Tag in 2015.