Palani Panchamirtham From TN, Tirur Betel Leaf From Kerala Along With Two Unique Mizo Textiles Granted GI Tag

Among the main offerings in the Abisegam of Lord Dhandayuthapani Swamy, the presiding deity of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapaniswamy Temple situated in Palani Hills, Tamil Nadu, the Palani Panchamirtham has made it to the list of products that carry a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

This marks the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been bestowed with the GI tag.

The ‘prasadam’ is a combination of five natural substances, namely, banana, jaggery sugar, cow ghee, honey and cardamom in a definite proportion. It is prepared in a natural method without addition of any preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Apart from the temple offering, three other products - Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puanchei from the state of Mizoram and Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala, have also been bestowed the prestigious GI tag.

The Tirur betel vine from Kerala, which is mainly cultivated in Tirur, Tanur among other block panchayaths of Malappuram District, is valued both for its mild stimulant action and medicinal properties. Commonly used for making pan masala for chewing, it has many medicinal, industrial and cultural usages.

Tawlhlohpuan, a medium to heavy, compactly woven, good quality fabric from Mizoram is known for warp yarns, warping, weaving & intricate designs that are made by hand. The textile holds high significance in the Mizo society, is produced throughout the state of Mizoram, Aizawl and Thenzawl town being the main centre of production.

The Mizo Puanchei, meanwhile, is a colourful Mizo shawl from Mizoram, and is considered as the most colourful among the Mizo textiles. It is an essential possession for every Mizo lady and an important marriage outfit in the state and is used in ceremonies and festivities.

A GI tag is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.

The GI Tag is granted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.