Assam’s Cultural Brilliance Shines: 19 Traditional Products And Crafts Receive GI Tag

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Sunday that 19 traditional products and crafts of Assam, such as ‘Bihu Dhol,’ ‘Jaapi,’ and various items from the Bodo community, have been granted the geographical indication (GI) tag. Among these, 13 products are closely associated with the Bodos, the largest tribal group in the state.

Describing it as a significant achievement for the state’s cultural heritage, Himanta Biswa Sarma stated on X, “Six prestigious GI Tags have been granted to traditional crafts with support from NABARD, RO Guwahati, and facilitated by Padma Shri Dr Rajani Kant, GI Expert”.

“This includes iconic items like Assam Bihu Dhol, Japi, Sarthebari Metal Craft, and more. These products, deeply rooted in history, support nearly one lakh people directly,” he said.

Assam Jaapi, a traditional bamboo hat, and Bihu Dhol, a traditional drum played during the Bihu festival, were among six products that applied for GI tags in late 2022, with the certifications being announced on Saturday.

Other products receiving GI tags included Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft, Assam Pani Mateka Craft, Sarthebari Metal Craft, and Assam Mising Handloom Products. In a separate statement on X, Himanta Biswa Sarma mentioned that 13 items from the Bodo community had also secured GI certification.

“What better occasion than Bodofa’s birth anniversary to receive GI tags for 13 articles that embody the rich cultural heritage of our Bodo community. This recognition will significantly promote these items and carry forward their cultural legacy,” he expressed.

Late Upendranath Brahma, revered as ‘Bodofa’ (guardian of the Bodos), was honored with this title for his leadership within the community.

Himanta Biswa Sarma also shared a statement by Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) chief Pramod Bodo, celebrating the GI tags’ recognition.

“Today is a moment of immense pride for all of Bodoland, as on the birth anniversary of Bodofa U N Brahma, 13 items embodying Bodo identity have been granted the prestigious GI Tag from the Geographical Indication Registry, Government of India,” he remarked.

The 13 items receiving the GI tag comprise three agricultural products – Gongar Dunjia, Keradapini, and Khardwi – and six musical instruments – Kham, Serja, Thorkha, Jotha, Gongona, and Sifung.