Uttarakhand: First gallery of GI products established in Haldwani
Haldwani, July 14
The first Gallery of Geographical Indicators products of Uttarakhand has been established in Haldwani, Uttarakhand Forest Training Academy.
Established with a view to showcase extremely rich agro-biodiversity, traditional crafts, and cultural heritage of the Himalayan State of Uttarakhand and also to increase awareness of the general public, trainees and dignitaries visiting the Academy.
The entire endeavour took around three months during which all these items were collected from remote areas of the state, and some of these being perishable items, like Bedu, Ramnagar Lichee and Ramgarh Aadu, had to be preserved.
Uttarakhand has more than 30 GI-tagged products -primarily in agriculture, handicrafts, food stuff, and manufactured goods. The state received a record 18 GI tags in a single day in December 2023, according to the release.
Agricultural Products include Tejpat (Indian Bay Leaf), Munsiyari White Rajma (Kidney Beans), Kumaon Chyura Oil, Almora Lakhori Chilli, Berinag Tea and Uttarakhand Kala Bhat (Black Soybean).
Handicrafts include - Uttarakhand Aipan Art (Traditional Kumaoni ritual folk art with geometric designs painted in white rice paste on red backgrounds), Chamoli Wooden Ramman Mask (Hand-carved wooden masks for UNESCO-listed Ramman folk theatre, using specific woods and inherited painting techniques), Uttarakhand Tamta Product (Copperware) and Uttarakhand Ringal (hill bamboo) Craft.
Apart from agricultural products and handicrafts, the list includes Nainital Mombatti (Candles)- Traditional candles from Nainital, often with unique local characteristics and Buransh sharbat (Rhododendron Squash)- Refreshing drink/juice from crimson Rhododendron arboreum flowers, which are rich in antioxidants with medicinal benefits
These products are tied to the unique Himalayan geography of Uttarakhand and its rich cultural heritage. GI tags help protect authenticity, support local economies, and promote sustainable practices.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's wonderful to see GI tags being promoted like this. But I hope the benefits actually reach the local farmers and artisans who make these products, not just middlemen. The Aipan art and wooden masks are so unique—we need to protect them from cheap imitations. 🌿
As someone from Kumaon, this makes me so proud! My grandmother used to make Aipan art on our doorstep every festival. Seeing it get official recognition is heartwarming. And who can forget the taste of Ramgarh Aadu—best peaches in India! 🍑
Good initiative, but honestly, we need more than just a gallery. The real challenge is making these products available in cities across India and ensuring fair prices for producers. Too many of our traditional crafts are dying because younger generations don't see them as viable livelihoods.
Wow, 30 GI-tagged products! That's amazing. I had no idea about Tamta copperware or Ringal bamboo crafts from Uttarakhand. This gallery sounds like a perfect place for tourists and trainees to learn about our rich heritage. Must visit next time I'm in Haldwani! 🙌
Great step forward. I just hope they've included proper preservation methods for items like Bedu and Lichee. These fruits are seasonal and highly perishable. If they're not well-maintained, tourists might get the wrong impression. Overall though, this is the kind of initiative that can boost rural economy. Well done! 👍
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