Guwahati, 31st March: In a momentous occasion for Assam’s cultural heritage, 12 items from the region have received prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tags today. These GI tags, granted by the Geographical Indication Registry, highlight the unique identity and craftsmanship of traditional Assamese products.
Six of these prestigious GI tags were granted to traditional crafts, with significant support from NABARD’s regional office in Guwahati. This endeavor was facilitated by Padma Shri Dr. Rajani Kant, a renowned GI expert.
The 12 products receiving GI tags represent the rich diversity of Assam’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship. Among them are Sarthebari’s metal craft, Asharikandi terracotta, Assam Bihu Dhol, Jaapi (a traditional conical hat from Assam), as well as jotha, gogona, kham, serza, and sifung.
Additionally, items crafted from Panimeteka (water hyacinth), dhool, and Mising taat (handloom) products have also been honored with the prestigious GI tag.
Jotha, gogona, kham, serza, and sifung hold significant cultural importance in the history of the region and play a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of nearly one lakh people directly.
The grant of GI tags not only recognizes the cultural significance and unique craftsmanship of Assamese products but also provides a boost to the local economy by promoting these traditional crafts on a national and international level.
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