Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that 19 traditional products and crafts of Assam, including 'Bihu Dhol', 'Jaapi', and various items of the Bodo community, have been granted the geographical indication (GI) tag. Among these, thirteen products are specifically associated with the Bodo community, which constitutes the largest tribal group in the state.

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

"This encompasses iconic items such as Assam Bihu Dhol, Japi, Sarthebari Metal Craft, and others," he stated. "These products, deeply entrenched in history, directly support nearly one lakh people."

Assam Jaapi, a traditional bamboo hat, and Bihu Dhol, a traditional drum played during the Bihu festival, were among the six products for which applications for GI tags were filed in the latter part of 2022. The certifications for these products were announced.

In addition to Assam Jaapi and Bihu Dhol, the other products that received GI tags include Assam Asharikandi Terracotta Craft, Assam Pani Mateka Craft, Sarthebari Metal Craft, and Assam Mising Handloom Products.

In a separate post on X, Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 13 products of the Bodo community have also obtained the unique certification. "What better day than Bodofa's birth anniversary to receive the GI tags for 13 articles, which embody the rich cultural heritage of our Bodo community," he remarked.

Late Upendranath Brahma, a community leader, was honoured with the title of 'Bodofa' (guardian of the Bodos). Sarma expressed confidence that this recognition would significantly enhance the promotion of these items and further the legacy of Bodo cultural heritage.

Himanta Biswa Sarma also shared a post by BTR chief Pramod Bodo, which highlights the awarding of GI tags. "Today marks a moment of immense pride for all of Bodoland, as on the birth anniversary of Bodofa U N Brahma, 13 articles representing Bodo identity have been granted the prestigious GI Tag by the Geographical Indication Registry, Government of India," he stated.

The 13 items that received the GI tag comprise three agricultural products - Gongar Dunjia, Keradapini, and Khardwi - as well as six musical instruments - Kham, Serja, Thorkha, Jotha, Gongona, and Sifung.

Image source: ANI