The chief ministers of the two neighbouring states announced on Sunday that a total of 19 products from Assam and two from Tripura have been granted the GI tag.
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a designation given to products originating from a particular geographic area. Only individuals or entities that are officially registered are permitted to utilize the product’s name.
The cultural identity of Assam is deeply rooted in all of the 19 distinct items, such as the Bihu Dhol, Jaapi, Sarthebari Metal Craft, Asharikandi Terracotta Craft, Pani Meteka Craft, and the Mising Handloom Products. These items play a vital role in showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of the state.
The Assamese Dhol, also known as Pati Dhol, is a double-sided drum that is played using a stick and hand. It plays a crucial role in the folk entertainment and cultural traditions of Assam.
The Assamese Japi, much like the Dhol, holds great significance in the Bihu culture of the state. Crafted from bamboo/cane and palm leaves (tokou), it serves as a symbol of pride for the people of Assam. It is customary for individuals to exchange Japis as a gesture of respect and admiration.
Sarthebari Metal Craft consists of authentic handmade bell metal utensils that originate from Barpeta in Assam. These items serve not only as everyday essentials but also play a significant role in the ritual practices of the Nava Vaisnava religion, as promoted by Srimanta Sankardeva.
According to the Panchayat and Rural Development department of Assam’s government, Pani Meteka, also known as Water Hyacinth, is a highly prevalent species found throughout the region.
Mising Taat and Mising Handloom Products play a significant role in the traditional textile industry of Assam’s Mising indigenous tribal community. The production of handloom products, such as garments and mekhela chador, is primarily carried out by women within the community.
According to official records, more than 100 households residing in Asharikandi village, located in Assam’s Dhubri district, are engaged in the production of terracotta and pottery items. Asharikandi stands out as a prominent hub for terracotta and pottery craftsmanship in the North East region of India, where artisans create various products using a mixture of clay and sand, which are then fired with earthen colors, typically a brownish red shade known as Terracotta.
The other 13 items are associated with the Bodo community which include Jotha, Gongona, Gamsa, Sifung, Serja, Khardwi, Kham, Gongar Dunjia, Thorka, Keradapini, Jwmgra, Dokhona and Eri Silk.
Gongar Dunjia, Keradapini, and Khardwi are examples of agricultural products, whereas Kham, Serja, Thorkha, Jotha, Gongona, and Sifung are classified as musical instruments.
The Pera of Tripureswari temple and the Rignai Pachra, a traditional tribal attire, are the two renowned products hailing from Tripura. The Dewanbari Mahila Cluster Behumukhi Samabaya Samity in Gomati district has applied for the GI tag for Rignai, which is a lower garment worn by women in combination with the Risa, an upper garment.
On the other hand, the Matabari Mahila Cluster Level Bahumukhi Samabaya Samity in Gomati has filed the GI application for the Pera. This delectable sweet is made using khoa, a milk product, and sugar, and it boasts an impressive shelf life.
