Odisha GI Authorised User Camp By NHDC

Each year, on August 1st, we celebrate Sambalpuri Din and wear Sambalpuri Bandha, an iconic weave of Odisha that has the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is also recognized by UNESCO.

The 13th Sambapuri Din i.e. Sambalpuri Day is being celebrated today.

It was a great honour to attend and address the GI Camp with Sambalpuri Bandha weavers three days ago, thanks to the National Handloom Development Corporation (NHDC).

Even shared about Sambalpuri Din in my presentation!

Copied Ikat Motifs And Handloom Saree Designs

Ikat is a technique of tie-and-dye of handlooms.

Some Indian states have the Geographical Indication (GI) tags for their own unique and special Ikat.

This includes-

Odisha- Orissa Ikat, Sambalpuri Bandha Saree and Fabrics, Khandua Saree and Fabrics;

Telangana- Pochampally Ikat; Telia Rumal;

Gujarat- Patan Patola

Can you identify this Ikat?

Chhenapoda and Podapitha - Foods of Odisha

Chhenapoda is a delectable dessert of Odisha that is prepared by using Chhena (cottage-cheese).

More information about Chhenapoda in my previous posts here.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding Chhenapoda.

More awareness is needed.

What is the name of the following bhoga?

Source

7 Latest Registered GI Products of Odisha India #OdishaGI

Truly proud to share that 7 Odisha products have been registered as Geographical Indications (GIs) 

Some other GIs registered today belong to states like- Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir & West Bengal and their latest registered GI products such as - Arunachal Pradesh Wancho Wooden Craft etc, Kachchhi Desi Kharek, Ramban Anardana & Kalonunia Rice etc. respectively.

All these are now GIs- "Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India".

GIs are always a matter of great pride and prestige for our nation.

As a grassroots GI worker, proud to have initially suggested some of the brand-new registered Odisha GIs for filing.

Had mentioned some GI names in my talk during a panel discussion held at Bhubaneswar on Makar Sankranti, January 14, Rasagola Mahotsav 2019, organised by Tarang Music and Odisha Television (OTV) group-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TysPkOx3Thc

Watch from 49:05-50:05 and I have shared the names of some potential Odisha GI products including-

Kendrapara Rasabali - GI Tag of Odisha India

Kendrapara Rasabali has earned the GI Tag yesterday, i.e. on 3rd October, 2023.

Rasabali is a chhena-based dessert of Odisha.

You can read more about it on my blog post here-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Yes, a proud moment for our Odisha state & nation.🎊

The first few lines of the GI product Specification have been taken from the Kendrapara Rasabali blog post of this very blog- "The Explorer of Miracles"!

Does Rasabali Have A Hole Like Doughnut?

Rasabali is a traditional Chhena sweet of Odisha.

It is a bhoga/offering at Shree Baladevjew Temple, Kendrapara, Odisha.

As a part of the ongoing month-long promotional program by NCHMCT in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism on regional cuisine, IHM Bhubaneswar presents the traditional regional cuisine - 'Rasabali' a sweet dish from Odisha!#SkillDevelopment #CulinaryFest pic.twitter.com/i8tB1DrgaM

— Ministry of Tourism (@tourismgoi) August 17, 2023

More information about Kendrapara Rasabali here-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Source: Mobile News

By now, many are aware that the Geographical Indication (GI) application for "Kendrapara Rasabali" has been submitted and it will earn the GI tag shortly.

Kendrapara Rasabali - GI Tag

It is heartening to see the interest regarding Geographical Indication (GI) now in Odisha.

I saw a couple of social media posts sharing about the upcoming GIs like- Kendrapara Rasabali.

Having done the initial facilitation of this GI, it gives me great pride and happiness.

In fact, just like the Utkal Mistanna Byabasyee Sangha for Odisha Rasagola GI, the producer-group - "Kendrapara Rasabali Mistanna Nirmata Sangha" was formed after my suggestion, guidance and constant follow-up. 

It may be noted that the GI tag for Odisha Rasagola has informed and inspired many producer-groups to also earn GIs for their own local products.

After receiving query from a local writer, Shri Saroj Mohanty, regarding Kendrapara Rasabali GI in 2020, I had created a WhatsApp group to facilitate the process. Some stakeholders had been added by the Admins that also included Shri Mohanty. Rasabali GI information was being continuously shared in the group.

GI Application was filed in December 2021.

The main product-description about Rasabali in the GI application has been taken from the initial 3 lines shared in my blog post (published on July 2020)-

http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html

Yes, my Blog- "The Explorer of Miracles" finds mention in the Kendrapara Rasabali GI application.

Sambalpuri Din #SambalpuriDin

August 1st is celebrated as Sambalpuri Din.

As we cheer and wear Sambalpuri Bandha, time to ensure that we choose and promote original handlooms and support all our weavers.

Image Courtesy: Shri Papu Lenka, Facebook

In the above image, we can see some members of the Pahala Rasagola group- Pahala Rasagola Entrepreneurs and Manufacturers - wearing Sambalpuri Bandha shirts. It is a matter of great pride and happiness that they accepted this writer's suggestion and have been wearing handloom shirts for events.

Vote For Odisha Rasagola and GI Tags in GIR Poll

India has a rich cultural heritage.

Each state has regional specialties.

There are many traditional products and local goods associated under various categories-

1. Agricultural 

2. Food Stuffs 

3. Handicrafts

4. Manufactured

5. Natural 

India has many registered "Geographical Indications" - GIs under the above five categories.

India has hundreds of registered GIs.

All these products are unique and special.

Some products are famous, others are yet to be known.

CGPDTM- Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks is conducting a Public Poll:
"Most liked Geographical Indication of India".

This is under the DPIIT- Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt. of India.

All can participate & select their choice under the given 5 categories.

Odisha Handloom Saree Representation - Budget 2022

The annual Budget session in India (and in other parts of the globe too) is keenly awaited, analyzed, and discussed. Many eager eyes are glued to the screens. Experts and media, sharing the views of all categories, are consulted and represented. Popular newspapers, especially business dailies, are referred and quoted.

Let us take a leading financial daily, The Economic Times (ET), for example. ET has published many articles about the Budget. Many non-subscribers also purchase copies of the newspapers to better understand the Budget.

Even the quotes used by the Finance Minister in her Budget speech find discussion-

In her shortest-ever Budget speech, Nirmala Sitharaman invokes ‘Mahabharata’, says tax collection in line with ‘dharma’ :

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/in-her-shortest-ever-budget-speech-nirmala-sitharaman-invokes-mahabharata-says-tax-collection-in-line-with-dharma/articleshow/89271422.cms

While the current Budget’s speech quote references are written about, past Budget quotes are also shared as has been done in the news reports published this year.

Budget 2022 - Odisha Handloom Bomkai Saree with Sambalpuri Bandha

There is an Odia saying that translated into English means- “What the mind thinks/wishes, it may receive the same.”

Today, I have ample reasons to be grateful, rejoice and celebrate wish fulfilment.

It was Budget Day and I have been sincerely wishing that our Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitaraman, would wear an Odisha Handloom Saree while presenting the budget!

Lo and behold! Imagine my surprise, pride, and happiness to see Madam dressed in one!

Nirmala Madam has often stated her love for handlooms, and she boasts of a great Saree collection– many of which are the handlooms of Odisha. She had worn a Sambalpuri Bandha Saree for her first day as Finance Minister.

Do you know the name of the Saree worn by Nirmala Ma'am today for the #Budget2022 speech?

It is a type of Odisha Handloom. But, what is the name of the type of Saree?

It is a Bomkai Saree with Sambalpuri Bandha motifs on aanchal.

GI Tags of Odisha And Odisha Rasagola #RasagolaA2Z

Geographical Indication (GI) is a type of Intellectual Property Right (IPR).

Some unique and reputed products of different geographical areas of India have earned the GI Tag.  GI is a distinctive certificate used to identify a product as originating from a particular region or locality that has specific qualities, reputation or other unique characteristics. GI products are linked with the culture, traditions, history etc. of a geographical location. 

As on date, Odisha has 17 GI products.

List of the Geographical Indication (GIs) Of Odisha-

1. Kotpad Handloom Fabric - Handicraft
2. Orissa Ikat - Handicraft
3. Konark Stone Carving - Handicraft
4. Orissa Pattachitra - Handicraft
5. Pipli Applique Work - Handicraft
6. Khandua Saree and Fabrics - Handicraft
7. Gopalpur Tussar Fabrics - Handicraft
8. Ganjam Kewda Rooh - Manufactured
9. Ganjam Kewda Flower - Agricultural
10. Dhalapathar Parda & Fabrics - Handicraft
11. Sambalpuri Bandha Saree & Fabrics - Handicraft
12. Bomkai Saree & Fabrics - Handicraft
13. Habaspuri Saree & Fabrics - Handicraft
14. Berhampur Patta (Phoda Kumbha) Saree & Joda - Handicraft
15. Araku Valley Arabica Coffee - Agricultural
16. Kandhamal Haladi - Agricultural
17. Odisha Rasagola - Food Stuff

The above is the correct list of Geographical Indications of Odisha.

Different lists with some omissions and additions can be seen while referring to the "GIs of Odisha" lists shared in multiple online articles and news reports.

Gajapati Date Palm Jaggery- Geographical Indication Application Filed

Date Palm trees are abundantly available in hillsides of the Gajapati district of Odisha. 

Gajapati Date Palm Jaggery made by the Saura Tribals of cottage industry is being produced under the Odisha Rajya Talgur Samabaya Sangha Ltd (ORTSS). This is a Govt. of Odisha Enterprise.

Thousands of tribals are engaged in the production of Date Palm Jaggery.

Date Palm is called "Tala" and Gur is called "Guda" in Odia.

Source

Gur forms an intrinsic part of Odisha's food habits. It forms a part of breakfast menu and is used for preparation of many dishes like "Khatta" (e.g. Amba Khatta is a sweet dish made using raw mangoes). 
The importance of Gur can be gauged from the fact that Gur is distributed during relief work.

Distribution of rice and gur is going on in Nuagada Block. pic.twitter.com/q79Xcmoc9k

— Collector Gajapati (@DM_Gajapati) October 16, 2018

“Gajapati Date Palm Jaggery” -  GI Application No- 690 has been filed.

It has been facilitated by Dr. P. Karthigeyan, IPR Expert, from CTTC, MSME- IPFC, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India.   

Date Palm Jaggery is a natural sweetener obtained from sweet juice (neera) of the Date Palm trees that are grown in natural climate. Gajapati  Date Palm Jaggery is prepared in trapezoidal form called Patali Gur. This jaggery is produced by traditional method and has a unique taste and flavour. 

Test samples of Date Palm Jaggery were tested in Central Govt. laboratories for establishing the scientific and technical nature for uniqueness. 

This delicious jaggery has the following qualities-
1. The colour of Date Palm Jaggery is dark brown in nature.
2. It is organic as no natural or synthetic colouring agents and artificial sweetening agents are added during the preparation process of this jaggery. 
3. It supplements iron and vitamin deficiency. 
4. Has medicinal value and used in preparation of Ayurvedic medicines for curing asthma, gastric disorders, cough etc .
5. Contains less sugar percent than sugarcane jaggery, crystal sugar and other sweetening agents and is thus used by the diabetic patients.
6. More nutritive than other sweeteners as it is rich in vitamins and natural minerals.
7. Date Palm Jaggery has the following unique scientific and technical characteristics with respect to other sugarcane jaggery:

It possesses a  PH-5.42 , Total Sugar-80.3%,  Sucrose -65.10% Reducing Sugar -11.81%, Total Ash -4.7%,  Iron-14.02 mg/100gm , Calcium -288.7 mg/ 100gm  as  per test results  of different samples of Date Palm Jaggery from Central Govt laboratories.

The GI tag application process will have to go through the stages, projecting uniqueness from scientific and technical aspects after which the GI tag can be earned. 
GI Tag has its advantages. The interests of tribals can be protected, and there will be more scope for employment, livelihood and sale. The demand can increase.

Odisha had earned the GI Tag for Odisha Rasagola last year. There is more interest about GI. 

More producer groups like the - Odisha Rajya Talgur Samabaya Sangha Ltd (ORTSS) should come forward and share details to support GI application submission so that their products can be registered as GI.
Odisha has 17 GI Tags now.

You can learn more about the registered GIs of Odisha here-
Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha 

You can download my eBook that is available for free download for a limited time here-

https://www.theblogchatter.com/download/geographical-indications-of-odisha-by-dr-anita-sabat

Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha

First, here are some questions for you. Please answer them honestly.

Are we proud of our culture and heritage?

Many of us will answer in the positive.

Are we aware and interested to learn more about our native state and nation?

We may answer- "Of course!" and cross question- "Haven't we learned enough about this in school?"

Do we know about Geographical Indications (GI) of our state and country?

Many have perhaps never heard this term before, and do not know what it means.

And, no, this is not taught in schools.

How many GIs of Odisha can you spot on the cover?

It feels great to share the cover of my first #eBook -
"Geographical Indications (GIs) of Odisha".
My eBook will be released on 25 May, 2020 during #BlogchatterEBook Carnival @blogchatter site.

Can you identify the #GIs on cover? #OdishaGI #GIsofIndia #KnowYourGI #COMINGSOON pic.twitter.com/aNgnASwacB

— anitaexplorer (@anitaexplorer) May 20, 2020

Babuna And Rasagola Film

"Babuna" is the name of a young Odia boy, who is the protagonist in the stories written by Shri Swaraj Mishra. The name of his book is Babuna. It was published by "Ama Odisha Publication" five years ago.

The stories feature the pranks and adventures of the young lad set in a village in Odisha, India, in the early seventies. Babuna has a field day with his cycle and the village is his field of action!

Shri Swaraj Mishra has based the interesting tales on his own childhood and his village. For him, it was like wearing the shoes of Babuna and taking a trip down the memory lane, reliving and weaving those memories of camaraderie, love, and also pain.

In January 2016, Shri Mishra had uploaded a video of the book trailer of Babuna.

On March 1st, 2018, Dola Purnima, a Palanquin carried Special Cover for Rasagola in Shree Jagannath ji's Cuisine was released by the Department of Posts at Puri, Odisha.

Shri Swaraj Mishra and yours truly were also part of the team that had worked to make this possible.

After our Rasagola postal-cover release at Puri, while we were returning to Bhubaneswar by car, I got to learn that Swaraj Babu is the author of several books including quiz-books and story-books. I asked Swaraj Babu if he had written any stories on Rasagola. I was excited when he answered in the affirmative. He had indeed penned a real-life story! He shared the brief story-line that featured Rasagola and friendship. I enthusiastically requested him to get his interesting story filmed at the earliest.

Thereafter, I called and messaged him a number of times in this regard.

I met him many times while working for the GI Tag application of Odisha Rasagola.

He said that he had been devoting time for the Rasagola film project. He had invested his own funds and the movie was slowly taking shape. Then, work had stopped for some time owing to other constraints.

Then, next year, in January 2019, I came across a poster about the 4th Golden Triangle International Film Festival  (GTIFF) to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. 
A certain "Rasogolla" film was also in the list of films to be screened. 

Till then, I was aware of only two people, who were working on Rasagola films, both on my request. Shri Swaraj Mishra was one of them.

But, I was not not sure if his movie was complete.

Had it been over and ready for release, he would have informed/invited us for this, I reasoned.

Plus, the spelling would have been our spelling- "Rasagola" as I had been requesting everyone to use a uniform spelling to refer to the Rasagola of Odisha as- The Spelling is Rasagola.

I shared the Film Festival schedule in our WhatsApp group in which Shri Swaraj Mishra is also a member.

Shri Mishra replied that it was indeed his movie that was to be screened. However, it was a work-in-progress.

Everything had happened so fast and his film's entry in the GTIFF had been hurried, which is why he couldn't inform us in advance. The spelling changes, updates in English translation, and other technical requirements would still need more time and will be addressed later. Though the movie was a draft version and much work was left, yet the incomplete work was being screened for the select audience.

On 12th February, 2019, I attended the screening at the GTIFF and cheered for Rasagola short-film.

Got to learn from the organizers that the Rasagola film was very popular & viewers showed interest to watch it everyday of the screening. Though it was scheduled for one day, it had already been screened for the jury & audience on popular demand!

The very word Rasagola evokes sweetness. And this 'Rasagola' movie was the labour of love that depicted a sweet story of friendship and love for Rasagola.

Though it is an emotional story, the film sparked joy for me as I had sincerely pressurized the story-writer to make this film! I appreciate his commitment as the actual making of a film takes a lot of effort. 

Rasagola film received a Certificate of Appreciation by the Jury at the 4th Golden Triangle International Film Festival, and Shri Swaraj Mishra received it that evening i.e. on 12th February, 2019.

On 17th December, 2019, we got the great news from Shri Mishra that Rasagola film had earned the Film certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)! 

Last evening, on 13th January 2020, Rasagola film was shown to a select intellectual gathering at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bhubaneswar. We thank the organisers of 'Mukta Chintana Mancha' for their interest to screen this film. The touching movie earned a wonderful audience reaction and feedback.

We acknowledge that getting a movie made is tough. 

Am so glad that Shri Swaraj Mishra has successfully completed this work of art.

I congratulate and thank Swaraj Babu & all those associated with this film.

I really feel so happy & proud. 

May this film make it to international festivals. 
May Lord Jagannath bless for many more such movies & books.

Looking forward to the upcoming movie premiere of Rasagola film. The world can watch it soon. 

Odisha Rasagola has earned the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag on July 29, 2019.

The proof of the Rasagola is in the eating! 
In the future screenings, Odisha Rasagola packs can accompany the Rasagola film too. 

Not only should viewers watch the film, and experience the emotions of Odias with this delectable syrupy dessert, they should get to taste Odisha Rasagola.

It is amazing what an inspiring conversation with creative & enthusiastic people can do! 
I love movies. Also, it's great to see ideas in action. 

What sparks joy in you? Do share in the comments below.

Linking with IndiSpire #307 and ABC Wednesday- B for Babuna

Odisha Rasagola Earns GI Tag #OdishaRasagola

Odisha has finally earned the GI tag for Odisha Rasagola on 29th July, 2019!

The GI Application for "Odisha Rasagola" was filed on February 23, 2018, by Odisha Small Industries Corporation Limited (OSIC), under the MSME Department of the Govt. of Odisha.  Utkal Mistanna Byabasayee Samiti, an association of Rasagola sweet-makers of Odisha, was the joint applicant.

Kandhamal Haladi Gets GI Tag #OdishaGI #UtkalaDibasa

April 1st is celebrated as Utkala Dibasa i.e. Odisha Day.

Odisha is a state in the eastern part of India that was formed on April 1, 1936.

Odisha is blessed with rich natural resources and beauty.

Odisha boasts of many unique products like the Kandhamal Haladi i.e. Kandhamal Turmeric.

It is a matter of great pride and joy that on the auspicious occasion of Utkala Dibasa, Kandhamal Haladi has earned India's latest Geographical Indication (GI) tag today.

The GI Application for "Kandhamal Haladi" was made by Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM), an association of turmeric farmers of Kandhamal district of Odisha, India. 

The application was filed on 11th January 2018 by KASAM with the support of the Intellectual Property Rights cell of Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar. Dr. Karthigeyan from CTTC, Ministry of MSME has facilitated GI Application No. 610 in respect of Haladi (Turmeric) falling in Class –30. 

Kandhamal Haladi is now the latest entrant in the list of the GIs of India under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.