Geographical Indication tags are a hallmark of authenticity. This means a product is associated with its specific geographical origin and has some unique characteristics. With its rich cultural diversity and artisanal heritage, West Bengal forms an important part of what makes the world unique: its GI tags highlight it in a different light by telling the world of delicious sweets and exquisite textiles-not only products but also heritage craftsmanship and cultural pride.
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Products with GI Tag of West Bengal
West Bengal's GI-tagged products highlight its rich cultural heritage, showcasing unique craftsmanship, agricultural excellence, and culinary traditions. These products preserve authenticity, promote artisans, and connect global audiences to Bengal's legacy. Here’s the GI Tag list from West Bengal:
1. Darjeeling Tea
Origin: Darjeeling
Description: Renowned aromatic tea grown in Darjeeling’s hilly terrains, dubbed the "champagne of teas," recognized for its unique flavour and first GI-tagged product in India.
2. Nakshi Kantha
Origin: Rural Bengal
Description: The traditional embroidery quilt made primarily by the women artisans of rural Bengali shows richly textured stitches and the art of telling stories.
3. Santiniketan Leather Products
Origin: Santiniketan
Description: The cultural vision of Rabindranath Tagore inspired this leather product, which has a unique design and has been crafted by skilful artisans of Santiniketan.
4. Malda Laxman Bhog Mango
Origin: Malda
Description: Sweet, aromatic mango variety from Malda, highly valued for its smooth texture and delightful flavour, cultivated during the summer season.
5. Malda Khirsapati (Himsagar) Mango
Origin: Malda
Description: Juicy mango with a rich flavour, known as Himsagar, is considered one of the best table mangoes, cultivated extensively in Malda.
6. Malda Fazli Mango
Origin: Malda
Description: Large with a sweet-tangy flavour, late-season mango variety, used in both fresh consumption and pickling.
7. Santipore Saree
Origin: Santipore
Description: Handwoven sarees are recognized for fine texture and intricate weaving patterns made by skilled artisans in Santipore.
8. Baluchari Saree
Origin: Bankura
Description: Silk sarees woven with mythological motifs on the pallus, exhibiting the weaving perfection of Bengal.
9. Dhaniakhali Saree
Origin: Dhaniakhali
Description: Cotton sarees made with unique striped or checked patterns, economical and easy to wear, and are produced extensively in Dhaniakhali.
10. Joynagar Moa
Origin: Joynagar
Description: Winter delicacy of puffed rice and date palm jaggery. This dish is relished for its unique flavor and freshness.
Get to Know What was Basmati Rice Geographical Indication Case
11. Bardhaman Sitabhog
Origin: Bardhaman
Description: Rice flour and sugar, white noodle-like sweets, which were consumed as royal sweets in Bardhaman.
12. Bardhaman Mihidana
Origin: Bardhaman
Description: Coarse powder sweet made with rice flour and saffron, which is used as a snack for its smooth texture and flavor.
13. Gobindobhog Rice
Origin: Bardhaman
Description: Aromatic short-grain rice variety, widely used in Bengali festive and religious dishes, is appreciated for its unique fragrance.
14. Tulapanji Rice
Origin: Dinajpur
Description: Fine-grained aromatic rice with excellent cooking qualities, traditionally cultivated in the Malda and Dinajpur districts.
15. Banglar Rasogolla
Origin: Bengal
Description: This iconic spongy dessert made from chhena and sugar syrup, is integral to Bengali festivities and recognized for its cultural significance.
16. Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft
Origin: Bankura
Description: Handmade terracotta art with traditional designs and rural Bengal's heritage in decorating and rituals.
17. Bengal Dokra
Origin: Bengal Villages
Description: Lost-wax metal casting technique used for tribal design and traditional figurines with widespread practice in the Bengal villages.
18. Bengal Patachitra
Origin: Bengal Villages
Description: Scroll paintings associated with songs, showing themes of mythology and culture through which artisan families create work in Bengal.
19. Purulia Chau Mask
Origin: Purulia
Description: Vibrant masks used in the Chau dance of Purulia with great intricacy and splendor in colors, being the epitome of art in culture.
20. Wooden Mask of Kushmandi
Origin: Kushmandi
Description: Wooden mask hand-carved and applied to the traditional dance and other rituals of Kushmandi.
21. Madur Kathi
Origin: Medinipur
Description: Mats produced from madur grass in a non-polluting process, handwoven by the artisans, and held in high esteem for durability and cultural importance.
22. Dalle Khursani
Origin: Sikkim and Bengal
Description: Red Chili is known for its very sharp spiciness and tangy taste. It is originated from the Himalayan region.
Checkout the Key Differences Between Geographical Indication and Trademark
Summing Up
West Bengal's GI-tagged products celebrate its rich cultural and agricultural heritage. These items, from sweets to textiles and crafts, reflect the state's uniqueness. GI tags safeguard these treasures from imitation and uplift the livelihoods of artisans and farmers. They create regional pride and global recognition. By preserving these traditions, West Bengal ensures that its legacy thrives for future generations. Each GI-tagged product tells a story of authenticity, craftsmanship, and cultural excellence.
GI Tag of West Bengal: FAQs
Q1. What is a GI tag?
A GI tag associates a product with its origin and features that are unique to this place.
Q2. Which was West Bengal's first GI-tagged product?
Darjeeling Tea was the first WI-tagged product of West Bengal.
Q3. What makes Banglar Rasogolla so different?
It is a soft, spongy sweet dessert made with chhena and sugar syrup and is associated with Bengal's tradition.
Q4. Which sarees have GI tags from Bengal?
Baluchari, Dhaniakhali, and Santipore sarees
Q5. Which mangoes have been GI tagged from Malda district?
Laxman Bhog, Himsagar and Fazli mangoes.