Context:
The Prime Minister awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to 21 traditional products from Uttar Pradesh during his visit to Varanasi, which made the Kashi region the Global hub of GI-recognised items with 32 Products.
More On News:
- The iconic Banarasi Tabla and the Banarasi Bharwan Mirch are now among the newly certified items, officially recognized for their unique regional identity and cultural significance.
- UP leads the country with 77 GI-certified products, while the Kashi region alone has 32 GI tags, establishing it as a global center for GI-recognised items, engaging nearly 20 lakh people and generating an annual business of ₹25,500 crore.
- It shows rich diversity and the success of the UP government’s flagship initiative, ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP).
- A number of traditional products from Varanasi have now been awarded GI tag certificates, including the Shehnai, metal casting craft, mural painting, Lal Peda, Thandai, Tirangi Barfi, and Karonda from Chiraigaon.
- These items serve as cultural treasures and a vital source of livelihood for thousands of artisans.
- The newly GI-certified products are Bareilly’s furniture, zari-zardozi, and terracotta work, Mathura’s Sanjhi craft, Bundelkhand’s Kathiya wheat, and Pilibhit’s bamboo flute.
- Additionally, Prayagraj’s eco-friendly Munj craft, Bareilly’s opulent Zardozi, Chitrakoot’s wood craft, Agra’s stone inlay work, Jaunpur’s Imarti and the exquisite Tharu Zardozi from Lakhimpur Kheri have been granted GI tags.
- Each of these items reflects the distinct cultural heritage of its respective region.
- With GI certification, they now benefit from legal protection and increased brand recognition.
- List of GI-tagged Products of Kashi Region: Banaras Brocade and Sarees, Banaras Metal Reposi Craft, Varanasi Gulabi Meenakari, Varanasi Wooden lacquerware and Toys, Banaras Glass Beads, Varanasi Softstone Jaali Work, Banaras Zardozi, Banaras Hand Block Print, Banaras Wood Carving and Banarasi Langda Mango etc.
