A Glance at the GI Tags of 2024!

Every year, India recognises products specific to a region by awarding them a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag. This year was no exception, with many products from various sectors, such as agriculture, natural resources, handicrafts, and industrial goods, receiving this tag. Among the many products that received this special recognition, here are a few GI Tags of 2024.

Magji Laddoo - Odisha 

A sweet delicacy from the land of Lord Jagannath was awarded the GI Tag earlier this year. Magaji Laddoo is a sweet from the Kalahandi district of Odisha. It has been part of the state's culinary heritage for centuries and is considered a must-have dessert during festivals, weddings, and other auspicious occasions. It is mainly prepared with sugar, cardamom, and cheese from Buffalo’s milk, which is locally known as ‘Chenna’.

Kai Chutney - Odisha

Kai Chutney, also known as Chaprah chutney or ant chutney, is a GI-tagged product from Odisha. This is specifically made with red weaver ants from Odisha's Mayurbhanj district. It is a semi-solid paste made from red weaver ants, herbs, spices, ginger, garlic, chillies, and salt. 

Cuttack Rupa Tarakasi - Odisha 

Rupa Tarakas is a silver filigree from Odisha that originated in Mesopotamia around 3500 BCE. Filigree is ornamental work, especially of fine wire of gold, silver, or copper applied chiefly to gold and silver surfaces which got the recognition this year.

Banglar Muslin - West Bengal 

A traditional handloom craft from Bengal made from cotton was awarded the GI Tag in 2024. This fine muslin is crafted from cotton threads, spun to maintain tensile strength at counts ranging from 300 to 600, surpassing other cotton products. 

Narasapur Crochet Lace - Andhra Pradesh

The famed Narasapur crochet lace craft got the Geographical Indications (GI) tag this year, giving a new lease of life to the dying craft in the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh. This product was brought to the state by Portuguese missionaries and it involves crocheting lace with thin cotton threads and crochet needles of various sizes

Ratlam Riyawan Lahsun - Madhya Pradesh

The flavourful garlic from Riyawan village in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh was also awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Known for its pungent and robust flavour, this garlic variety also boasts a higher oil content compared to others.

Kapdaganda Shawl - Odisha

Another GI Tag from Odisha is the Kapdaganda shawl. It is a hand-woven and embroidered shawl from the Dongria Kondh tribe of Odisha. The shawl is worn by both men and women and is a symbol of love and affection in the community. 

Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal - Odisha

Nayagarh Kanteimundi brinjal is a variety of brinjal that is grown in the Nayagarh district of Odisha. It is a vegetable with prickly thorns and green fruits. 

Khajuri Guda - Odisha

Khajuri Guda, also called date palm jaggery, is a triangular sweet food that is indigenous to Odisha's Gajapati area and is created by extracting the liquid from date palm trees. After a thorough boiling process, a dark brown jaggery known as "Patli Gur" is produced. Khajuri Guda is well renowned for its many health benefits, including strengthening the immune system, enhancing digestion, and curing anaemia.

Ramban Anardana - Jammu & Kashmir

Referred to as ‘Dhruni,’ Ramban Anardana is a type of pomegranate growing wild in hilly tracts and forests of Jammu & Kashmir. The pomegranate after harvesting is sundried to make “Anardana” and is widely used for making Ayurvedic medicines.

Lakadong Turmeric - Meghalaya

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. 

Lanjia Saura Painting - Odisha 

Lanjia Saura painting, also known as Saura painting or Idital, is a traditional art form of the Saura tribe of Odisha. It received the GI Tag in January this year. These paintings are somewhat similar to the Warli paintings of Maharashtra and are based on geometrical patterns, and often use triangles and circles in wave-like structures.

Koraput Kalajeera Rice - Odisha

Kalajeera rice, also 'Prince of Rice’ is an aromatic variety of rice. It is grown in the Koraput district in Odisha. The rice is distinctively known for its black colour, good aroma, taste and texture. 

Kachchhi Kharek - Gujarat

Kachchhi Kharek is a GI-tagged local variety of dates from Kutch, Gujarat. Kutch is the only region in the world where fresh dates are economically cultivated, marketed, and consumed. It has around two million date palms, which is over 85% of India's total date palm cultivation.

Adi Kekir - Arunachal Pradesh

Adi Kekir is a variety of ginger produced in the East Siang, Siang and Upper Siang districts of Arunachal Pradesh. 

Handmade Carpets - Arunachal Pradesh

Handmade carpets, also from Arunachal Pradesh received GI tag recognition. It is prepared by Tibetan refugees who live in various parts of the state and are famous for their typical designs, motifs and textures.

Wancho Wooden Crafts - Arunachal Pradesh

Another product that got GI-tagged in 2024 from Arunachal Pradesh was Wancho wooden crafts. These items are unique as they feature tobacco pipes with head-shaped bowls and drinking mugs showing warriors. The artisans also create sculptures of Lord Buddha, animals, and dolls.

Tangail, Korial, and Garad Sarees - West Bengal

Tangail, Korial, and Garad sarees from West Bengal secured the Geographical Indication (GI) tag this year. 

• Tangail sarees are traditionally woven on fly shuttle pit looms using 100S cotton yarn, silk yarn of various counts, tasar yarn and also synthetic filament yarn. A particular technique of using two or more shuttles is used to weave the saree. 
• The Korial sarees are lavish silk ones in either white or cream base and have the characteristic heavy gold and silver embellishments of Benarasi sarees in the border and pallu, which is the ornamental end of the sari normally worn thrown over the shoulder.
• Garad silk sarees are characterised by a plain white or off-white body, an unornamental coloured border and a striped pallu, and were worn earlier for performing pujas. With the change in taste, various colours and woven patterns have been introduced.

Sundarbans Honey - Sundarbans

Also called Mouban, it is a prime minor forest produce (MFP) in the Sundarban region.