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
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| Can you identify this Ikat? |
Rasabali is a cottage cheese-based dessert of Odisha.
"Kendrapara Rasabali" has the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
When I first started working for this GI, I looked for the spelling of this word- Rasabali- not only in English, but in Odia also.
As "Rasavali" too is derived from Sanskrit, and there the letter "v" is used instead of "b".
Rasavali was born in the temple of Baldev Ji in Kendrapara. It is a delicious dessert. It is a famous food all over Odisha. It has a long history of being born in Odisha and it is an Oriya food. It can make the world famous as an Oriya food by getting the GI tag#saveodiafood pic.twitter.com/a1g20SLuNP
— 💖Odia food & sweets💖 (@_odia_food_) March 2, 2022
When I first consulted with scholars and language experts, those with a strong Sanskrit background advocated the usage of "Rasavali" in the name.
However, the usage of "b" i.e. Rasabali is more common in Odia.
Many of the sellers are already using - "Rasabali" as the name.
As we must be true to our local spelling and name, being "vocal for local", we settled for "Rasabali."
The name of "Kendrapara" was also discussed and went ahead with "Kendrapara" as the district name is - Kendrapara (and not Kendrapada).
These blog posts have more about our Rasabali GI outreach-
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2020/07/kendrapada-rasabali.html
http://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/09/does-rasabali-have-hole-like-doughnut.html
https://www.anitaexplorer.com/2023/10/kendrapara-rasabali-gi-tag-of-odisha.html
After my facilitation for the "Kendrapara Rasabali" GI and despite personally informing the stakeholders multiple times about the need for "correct representation", it was disappointing to find that the GI application had been submitted and the logo had been applied that too with the wrong information and spellings of product, applicants, place etc -
In our previous post, we shared how the eyes of the deities are now being misrepresented- in printed photographs/images that are used even in temples and at homes in Puja rooms, and also on diaries, calendars etc.
Misrepresentation of Eyes of Deities- Shree Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shree Jagannatha-
https://www.anitaexplorer.com/2024/02/misrepresentation-of-eyes-of-deities.html
Even in the new art- paintings created by hand- artists are shaping the eyes incorrectly & not presenting the original eyes.
Parampara means- Legacy, Tradition or Heritage.
Odisha has an age-old Parampara & cultural heritage with textiles.
The thoughtfully designed poster itself has handlooms as the background for the faces! Can you identify the handlooms?
Thank you so much, Nabagunjara Family, for the honour & great opportunity to learn & share about Odisha's rich handloom tradition. 🙏🏽
Truly proud to share that 7 Odisha products have been registered as Geographical Indications (GIs)
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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 has earned the GI Tag yesterday, i.e. on 3rd October, 2023.
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.🎊
It was great to celebrate International Coffee Day on October 1st 2023☕️ and to have conversations around coffee i.e. Coffee pe Charcha :)
In India, there are more tea-drinkers and tea-lovers than coffee-drinkers and coffee-lovers.
Bomkai is an exclusive handloom product of Odisha.
"Bomkai Saree & Fabrics" have the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
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| Bomkai Saree- Source: Utkalamrita |
The Saree's name is Bomkai as it has originated in the Bomkai village of Ganjam district of Odisha.
However, now Bomkai Sarees are being mostly handwoven in the Sonepur district of Odisha.
Thus, they are being called "Sonepuri" Sarees.
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
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| 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.
Can you guess the names of the handlooms in this image?
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.
It is great to see the interest and excitement of general public regarding Geographical Indications (GIs) now.
I recollect the time when many Odias considered even the discussion regarding GIs as a waste of time and effort, and rather chose to remain mute spectators while some of us were passionately championing Odisha Rasagola and other potential local products as GIs. (Some still do).
After the grant of the last 2 GIs- especially Odisha Rasagola GI, many became aware and producer groups started demanding GI for their own community's products.
Note- NOT ONE Odisha GI application was filed between 2011-2017.
Now, how many GI applications have been filed from year 2018 onwards?
While it gives immense pleasure to see many being "vocal for local" and "vocal for GI", the wrong information being shared is a matter of great concern.
This afternoon, it was quite perplexing to find many sharing that "Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal" has earned the GI Tag!
When I checked, it was showing as "Examination" stage.
August 1st is celebrated as Sambalpuri Din.
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| Image Courtesy: Shri Papu Lenka, Facebook |
World IP Day
World IP Day - Date
April 26th
is celebrated as World Intellectual Property or World IP Day from year 2000
onwards. In 1970, on April 26th, “WIPO Convention” had come into
force. In 2000, WIPO's member states designated April 26 as
World IP Day.
2023
Theme
Each year, a theme is assigned. The theme for 2023 is-
“Women and IP: Accelerating Innovation and Creativity”
Source: WIPO
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.
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’ :
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.
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.
To,
Jaya Shree Baladevjew
Ref: Misinformation and Misrepresentation in the Odisha GI Applications Supported by NABARD
Regarding: the incorrect details and wrong information provided in our Odisha Geographical Indication (GI) applications that have been filed with the support of NABARD recently.
It is a huge disappointment to find that many Odisha GI applications supported by NABARD have simply been filed hurriedly with wrong information and incorrect technical details and specifications.
- Our state name and GI product names are also not properly spelled in the applications.
- The number of producers/artisans are far higher/lower than what has been specified and filed.
- The real producer groups have not been represented as Applicants and "Registered Proprietors"; rather chosen Applicants are non-related people and organizations, who were/are not involved/working with the products.
How can the present applicants claim to even be bothered about “protecting” our producer groups and our community's and state’s rights, when they do not even think of taking extra care to share the correct information in the GI applications? They have not even given due respect to our state by even spelling "Odisha" correctly!
Shouldn’t a proper and inclusive study with visits to geographical areas and investigative research first be done before GI filing?
I am deeply saddened to share that Odisha has lost key officials, who were treasure-houses and walking encyclopedias about Odisha handlooms and handicrafts-
Shri Devaraja Sahu and
Shri Basanta Kumar Dash (B.K.Dash).
Both these late personalities
were valuable experts, who had a wealth of knowledge about our Odisha handlooms
and handicrafts.
Despite their position, expertise, and experience, they were so simple, humble, and approachable. They were a phone-call away. They listened and patiently answered.
