GI Tags of West Bengal

West Bengal’s GI Tags: A Heritage of Authenticity and Craftsmanship

🌍 What is a Geographical Indication (GI) Tag?

  • A GI tag identifies a product as originating from a particular place.

  • It signifies unique qualities, traditions, or reputations tied to that region.

  • GI tags preserve cultural heritage and prevent imitation.

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🏵️ Importance of GI Tags in West Bengal

  • Celebrates Bengal’s diverse cultural legacy and artisanal excellence.

  • Supports local artisans, farmers, and manufacturers.

  • Promotes Bengal’s reputation globally through unique, region-specific products.

📌 Notable GI-Tagged Products from West Bengal

  1. Darjeeling Tea – First GI-tagged product in India; known as “champagne of teas”.

  2. Nakshi Kantha – Embroidered quilts with storytelling stitches.

  3. Santiniketan Leather Products – Tagore-inspired artisanal leatherwork.

  4. Malda Mangoes – Laxman Bhog, Himsagar (Khirsapati), and Fazli.

  5. Santipore, Baluchari & Dhaniakhali Sarees – Traditional handloom weaves.

  6. Joynagar Moa – Winter sweet of puffed rice and nolen gur; a seasonal delicacy.

  7. Bardhaman Sweets – Sitabhog and Mihidana, royal-origin sweets.

  8. Gobindobhog & Tulapanji Rice – Aromatic short-grain rice.

  9. Banglar Rasogolla – Iconic spongy dessert with cultural pride.

  10. Terracotta & Dokra Crafts – Traditional tribal and village art forms.

  11. Patachitra Paintings – Scroll art blending myth and folk.

  12. Purulia Chau & Kushmandi Masks – Dance masks with vibrant colors.

  13. Madur Kathi Mats – Eco-friendly grass mats from Medinipur.

  14. Dalle Khursani Chili – Extremely spicy chili from Sikkim and Bengal.

🎯 Why It Matters

  • Protects authenticity and brand value of regional specialties.

  • Encourages economic growth in local communities.

  • Keeps Bengal’s culinary and craft heritage alive for generations.



West Bengal is home to a rich tapestry of GI-tagged products that celebrate its cultural, culinary, and artisanal heritage. From iconic sweets like Joynagar Moa, Banglar Rasogolla, and Bardhaman Mihidana, to exquisite crafts like Nakshi Kantha, Baluchari Saree, Dokra metalwork, and Purulia Chau Masks, each product represents a story of tradition, skill, and regional pride. GI tags protect these legacies, support artisans and farmers, and connect Bengal’s past with global recognition.