Gujarat's Gharchola Saree Gets Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
National
In November 2024, Gujarat's traditional Gharchola sari received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry, based in Chennai, marking Gujarat's 27th GI recognition, with 23 of these acknowledging the state's handicrafts.
- The GI tag for Gharchola was awarded during the "GI and Beyond - Virasat Se Vikas Tak" program in New Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Textiles, further boosting its global market potential and authenticating its cultural legacy.
- Gujarat's state-run initiative, Garvi Gurjari, has been crucial in promoting local handicrafts and providing artisans with a platform to sell their handmade products, helping showcase Gharchola sarees and other traditional crafts to the world.
- The One District, One Product (ODOP) Yojana, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, has played a key role in expanding the reach of GI-tagged products, further strengthening Gujarat's status as a hub of exceptional craftsmanship.
Main Point :- (i) The GI tag not only secures the continued growth of the Gharchola craft but also safeguards traditional skills, empowering local weavers and ensuring that the craftsmanship is passed down to future generations.
(ii) Gharchola sarees are renowned for their bright colors, including red, maroon, green, and yellow, which hold significant religious meaning in Hindu and Jain traditions, and are traditionally worn at weddings and important events.
(iii) The evolving designs of Gharchola sarees have made them popular among contemporary buyers, and they are now widely available at Garvi Gurjari sales centers across Gujarat, further expanding their market presence.
About Gujarat
Chief Minister (CM): Bhupendra Patel
Governor: Acharya Devvrat
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