In April 2025, Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to 21 traditional products from Uttar Pradesh (UP). Among them was the Banarasi Shehnai, a conventional musical instrument deeply rooted in Varanasi’s cultural heritage, along with the Banarasi Tabla and Banarasi Bharwan Mirch.
- PM Narendra Modi handed over the GI certificate for the Banarasi Shehnai to Ramesh Kumar, a renowned artisan from Banaras or Varanasi (also known as Kashi), during a public event at Mehndi Ganj, UP.
- He also awarded the GI certificate to Anil Kumar for Banaras metal casting craft, and Chhiddo from the Tharu tribe of Lakhimpur Kheri for Tharu embroidery.
- With this recognition, UP surpassed Tamil Nadu (TN) to become the Indian state with the highest number of GI tags, holding 77 GI-certified products. TN holds 69 GI-tagged products.
Points to Note:
i.Since the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, came into force in 2003, this was the first time in India that GI certificates for 21 products were distributed at a single event by the PM.
- Of the 21 products, 9 recipients are from Varanasi (UP), highlighting the city’s cultural and artisanal richness.
ii.In UP, notably, the Varanasi region alone accounts for 32 GI tags, making it a global hub of GI-recognized items.
Newly GI-Tagged Products from Uttar Pradesh:
The new list of GI-certified products also includes Mathura’s Sanjhi craft, Bundelkhand’s Kathiya wheat, Pilibhit’s bamboo flute, and Banaras metal casting craft.
- Additionally, Prayagraj’s moonj craft, Bareilly’s zardozi, Chitrakoot’s wood craft, Agra’s stone inlay work, and Lakhimpur Kheri’s Tharu zardozi, and Jaunpur’s Imarti (a sweet dish) have also been granted GI tags.
About Banarasi Shehnai:
i.The Shehnai, often called the Indian oboe, is a traditional woodwind instrument with a two-octave range. It has a double reed at one end and a metal flared bell at the other.
ii.The making of the shehnai comes in the category of handicraft, and there are about 60-70 artisans engaged in this craft in Varanasi.
iii.The Banarasi Shehnai holds special significance as it gained international recognition through the masterful performances of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, a famous Shehnai player and a renowned musician of Kashi.
iv.The application for the GI tag for the Banaras Shehnai was filed by the Varanasi-based cultural organisation, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan Foundation, with the support of Padma Shri Dr Rajani Kant.
About Banarasi Tabla:
i.Banarasi Tabla is a classical musical instrument with roots in Varanasi. This percussion instrument is crafted from various types of wood, including Sheesham, Neem, Mahogany, and Babla.
ii.This tablas are highly sought-after locally and globally for their powerful sound and craftsmanship.
About Banarasi Bharwan Mirch:
i.Banarasi Bharwan Mirch, also known as Banaras Lal Bharwamirch or Banarasi Stuffed Red Chilli Pickle, is a traditional Indian pickle made with large red chilies stuffed with a flavorful spice mixture.
ii.The chilies, grown in the region around Varanasi, are a key ingredient in this pickle, which is known for its bold, spicy, and tangy taste.
Other Products:
- Bareilly Furniture: Renowned for its durability and intricate craftsmanship, Bareilly’s furniture reflects a perfect blend of strength and aesthetic appeal.
- Bareilly Zari-Zardozi Work: Known for its exquisite embroidery using gold and silver threads, this traditional art form adds elegance to garments and fabrics.
- Bareilly Terracotta Craft: This includes decorative clay artifacts, reflecting the region’s rich artistic heritage.
- Mathura Sanjhi Craft: A traditional paper-cutting art form featuring religious and mythological motifs, often used in temple decorations.
- Bundelkhand Kathiya Wheat: A distinct variety of wheat cultivated in the Bundelkhand region, valued for its unique grain quality.
- Pilibhit Bamboo Flute (Bansuri): A finely crafted wind instrument made from bamboo, celebrated for its melodious sound and cultural significance.
- Chitrakoot Wood Craft: Involves the making of ornamental wooden products, created by skilled local artisans using traditional methods.
- Agra Stone Inlay Work: Famous for its marble inlay art, similar to the intricate craftsmanship seen in the Taj Mahal, showcasing floral and geometric patterns.
What is a GI tag?
i.A GI tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation inherent to that location.
ii.GI tags are officially granted by the Chennai (Tamil Nadu, TN)-based Geographical Indications (GI) Registry under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I).
iii.A registered GI in India is valid for 10 years from the date of registration.
About Uttar Pradesh (UP):
Chief Minister (CM)- Yogi Adityanath
Governor– Anandiben Patel
Airports– Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
Bird Sanctuaries– Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Sandi Bird Sanctuary
