Geographical Indication (GI) Tags of Himachal Pradesh
What is a GI Tag?
- A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin.
- It gives the product a unique identity based on its origin, qualities, reputation, or characteristics.
- GI tags help protect the product from imitation and ensure its authenticity, benefiting local producers.
- Himachal Pradesh has several registered GI tags, primarily for its unique handicrafts and agricultural products.
Jump to GI Tag
Summary of HP’s GI Tags
GI Tags Sorted by Year (Oldest to Newest)
| Year | Product | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Kullu Shawl | Handicraft |
| 2005 | Kangra Tea | Agricultural |
| 2007 | Chamba Rumal | Handicraft |
| 2008 | Kinnauri Shawl | Handicraft |
| 2012 | Kangra Painting | Handicraft |
| 2012 | Kullu Shawl (Logo) | Handicraft |
| 2016 | Basmati | Agricultural |
| 2018 | Chamba Chappal | Handicraft |
| 2019 | Himachali Kala Zeera | Agricultural |
| 2019 | Himachali Chulli Oil | Manufactured |
| 2019 | Lahauli Knitted Socks & Gloves | Handicraft |
GI Tags Sorted by Category
| Category | Product | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | Kangra Tea | 2005 |
| Agricultural | Basmati | 2016 |
| Agricultural | Himachali Kala Zeera | 2019 |
| Handicraft | Kullu Shawl | 2004 |
| Handicraft | Chamba Rumal | 2007 |
| Handicraft | Kinnauri Shawl | 2008 |
| Handicraft | Kangra Painting | 2012 |
| Handicraft | Kullu Shawl (Logo) | 2012 |
| Handicraft | Chamba Chappal | 2018 |
| Handicraft | Lahauli Knitted Socks & Gloves | 2019 |
| Manufactured | Himachali Chulli Oil | 2019 |
Detailed Guide to Each GI Tag
1. Kullu Shawl
District: Kullu
Category: Handicraft
Registered: 2004
- A traditional shawl handwoven in the Kullu Valley.
- Made from local wool (sheep, angora, pashmina).
- Famous for its distinctive geometric patterns and vibrant floral designs on the borders.
- The patterns are woven using a special technique, often with bright colors like red, yellow, green, and blue.
2. Kullu Shawl (Logo)
District: Kullu
Category: Handicraft
Registered: 2012
- A separate GI tag was granted for the official logo used to certify the authenticity of a Kullu Shawl.
- Helps consumers identify genuine, handwoven Kullu shawls from machine-made imitations.
- Ensures the product adheres to the quality and traditional methods of the region.
3. Kangra Tea
District: Kangra
Category: Agricultural
Registered: 2005
- Grown in the Kangra Valley, known as the “Valley of the Gods.”
- Produces both high-quality green and black teas.
- Known for its unique aroma, flavor, and light color, attributed to the region’s specific soil and climate.
- Received the European Union (EU) GI tag in 2023, enhancing its international recognition.
4. Chamba Rumal
District: Chamba
Category: Handicraft
Registered: 2007
- A “handkerchief” or embroidered cloth, but used as a decorative art piece.
- Features intricate, double-sided embroidery (known as “dorukha”) where the design is identical on both sides.
- The themes are often drawn from Pahari paintings, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, or local folklore.
5. Kinnauri Shawl
District: Kinnaur
Category: Handicraft
Registered: 2008
- A complex and intricately patterned shawl from the Kinnaur district.
- Known for its fine weaving and the use of mythological and religious motifs.
- Often features Buddhist symbols and intricate geometric patterns.
- Traditionally woven from the wool of local sheep.
6. Kangra Painting
District: Kangra
Category: Handicraft
Registered: 2012
- A form of Pahari miniature painting that originated in the Kangra Valley.
- Known for its lyrical and delicate style, focusing on themes of love, particularly the stories of Radha and Krishna.
- Characterized by its soft, natural color palette and fine, detailed brushwork.
7. Basmati
Districts: Parts of Kangra, Mandi, Chamba, Una, Solan
Category: Agricultural
Registered: 2016
- This is a joint GI tag covering the Basmati rice growing regions of North India.
- Himachal Pradesh is one of the recognized states, along with Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and parts of UP and J&K.
- The tag protects the authenticity of this long-grain, aromatic rice.
8. Chamba Chappal
District: Chamba
Category: Handicraft
Registered: 2018
- Traditional handcrafted leather footwear from Chamba.
- Known for its simple, elegant design and comfort.
- Often features intricate embroidery with silk or golden threads (“zari”) on the upper part.
9. Himachali Kala Zeera
Districts: Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, Kullu, Chamba
Category: Agricultural
Registered: 2019
- A type of black cumin that grows wild in the high-altitude regions of HP.
- Distinguished from common cumin (jeera) by its darker color, smaller size, and highly aromatic, sweet flavor.
- It is a prized spice used in local cuisine and traditional medicine.
10. Himachali Chulli Oil
Districts: Kinnaur, Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, etc.
Category: Manufactured
Registered: 2019
- Oil extracted from the kernels of the wild apricot fruit (known as “Chulli” or “Chulu”).
- The oil is light, non-greasy, and has a nutty aroma.
- Used extensively in local cuisine for cooking and as a dressing.
- Also valued for its medicinal properties and use in skincare.
11. Lahauli Knitted Socks & Gloves
District: Lahaul-Spiti
Category: Handicraft
Registered: 2019
- Hand-knitted socks and gloves made from indigenous sheep wool.
- Extremely warm and durable, designed for the harsh Himalayan winters.
- Feature intricate, colorful patterns (often geometric or floral) unique to the Lahauli tradition.