gi tag

During his recent global expedition, Prime Minister Modi showcased Bihar's vibrant cultural tapestry by presenting GI-tagged Mithila Makhana and delicate Madhubani artwork to prominent leaders like the UAE Crown Prince and the Dutch Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi showcased Odisha's rich artistic heritage during his visit to Norway, gifting a 'talapatra khodei' (palm leaf engraving) of the 'Tree of Life' to Queen Sonja and a silver filigree boat model to King Harald V. These gifts highlight Odisha's ancient storytelling traditions and intricate craftsmanship, bringing global attention to these unique art forms.

The once-vibrant Bomkai saree tradition in Odisha's Bomkai village is now on the brink of extinction, with only two weavers preserving its original form. Despite its gi tag and recognition, the craft faces challenges from younger generations' disinterest, labor-intensive processes, and a lack of government support, leading to a decline in its birthplace.

Prime Minister Modi's recent five-nation tour saw him present world leaders with culturally rich Indian gifts. From Assam's golden Muga silk to Manipur's Shirui Lily stoles and Agra's marble inlay boxes, these presents showcased India's diverse traditional crafts, agricultural bounty, and musical heritage, fostering cultural exchange.

Assam, the world's tea capital, produces a significant portion of global tea, with its Orthodox variety standing out. This robust, malty black tea, known for its rich amber-red hue and briskness, boasts powerful antioxidants. The Guwahati Tea Auction Centre's record sales and premium prices for Tippy Orthodox highlight its global demand and the skilled craftsmanship involved in its production.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered a 50% cut in official vehicle fleets and urged a public movement for austerity. Measures include promoting work-from-home, public transport, and reducing fuel and gold consumption. The state aims to boost domestic tourism and local products.

After Prada’s ‘sandal scandal’, Indian footwear labels are giving the chappal a high-fashion spin with sneaker and silk makeovers, bringing fresh attention to the craft and its artisans

There is a lot that Darjeeling could learn from Champagne when it comes to protecting its legacy. As the 87 odd estates in the Himalayan foothills gear up to educate the world about their authentic gi tagged teas, we get a whiff of what’s brewing

The humble Kolhapuri chappal has transcended its traditional roots to become a global fashion icon, even prompting luxury brands like Prada to collaborate with Indian artisans. This practical, comfortable, and eco-friendly footwear now epitomizes "power flats" and "old money" aesthetics, proving its relevance and chic appeal beyond ethnic wear.

Distinguishing handloom from powerloom sarees in India is crucial. Handloom, a slow, artisanal craft, reveals subtle human imperfections and a unique texture. Powerloom, machine-made for mass production, exhibits robotic precision and uniformity. Buyers can identify handloom by checking for minor flaws, the reverse side, fabric feel, and pattern consistency, ensuring they support genuine craftsmanship.

Bengaluru is set to host the first batch of 15 artisans from Belagavi for a training program at KILT, a Prada-Lidkar initiative. This three-year collaboration aims to skill 90 artisans statewide, offering advanced training in design, market study, and digital literacy. Selected artisans will even travel to Italy for further development, fostering entrepreneurship and market access through Lidkar outlets.

India's Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is a global spiritual magnet, attracting tens of millions annually and standing as the most visited temple by April 2026. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the temple offers a profound experience beyond darshan, with unique rituals like hair offerings and a GI-tagged laddu prasadam.

Genelia Deshmukh revives the royal Kashi Bai aesthetic in a vibrant GI-tagged cobalt blue saree with stunning cinematic flair, feeling like a traditional Maratha dream.

With Bihar making renewed efforts to secure gi tags for more of its unique agricultural products, Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU) vice-chancellor P S Pandey tells STOI’s B K Mishra in an interview that rigorous scientific documentation and stronger producer organisations are essential to accelerate the process. Excerpts:

Geographical Indication (GI) tags play a crucial role in preserving the heritage of distinctive products, such as Darjeeling Tea and Banarasi saris. Enshrined in a 1999 statute, these protections not only defend traditional crafts but also enhance local economies by allowing for higher pricing.

Bihar is rapidly emerging as a champion of its cultural heritage by securing Geographical Indication (GI) tags for its extraordinary products, with 14 already on the list. This movement is gaining momentum, especially with an influx of applications focusing on agriculture and culinary delights.