GI Tags Of West Bengal

West Bengal, a state steeped in rich history, literature, art, and diverse agro-climatic zones, boasts one of the most prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) portfolios in India. From the misty hills of Darjeeling to the fertile plains of Malda and Bardhaman, the state’s GI tags celebrate products whose exceptional quality and reputation are inseparably linked to their specific geographical origin, traditional knowledge, and skilled craftsmanship.

West Bengal was among the earliest states to secure GI protection, with Darjeeling Tea receiving the tag as far back as 2003. The registrations span premium tea, succulent mango varieties, aromatic heritage rice, and iconic sweets, many of which have achieved global fame.

Here is a detailed overview of the GI-tagged products from West Bengal:

Agricultural Products

1. Darjeeling Tea (Word & Logo) (Application Nos. 1 & 2)
   Registered: 27.10.2003 (Agricultural)
   The world’s first GI-tagged Indian product and one of the most famous teas globally. Grown in the Darjeeling hills at elevations between 600–2,000 metres, this tea is renowned for its delicate muscatel flavour, floral aroma, bright liquor, and unique “second flush” character. The combination of altitude, misty climate, sloping terrain, and centuries-old artisanal processing gives Darjeeling Tea its unmatched reputation. It remains the crown jewel of Indian tea.
2. Malda Laxman Bhog Mango (Application No. 111)
   Registered: 19.09.2007 (Agricultural)
   A premium early-season mango variety from Malda district, celebrated for its golden-yellow skin, sweet juicy pulp, pleasant aroma, and excellent flavour. It is one of the most sought-after mangoes of West Bengal.
3. Malda Khirsapati (Himsagar) Mango (Application No. 112)
   Registered: 19.09.2007 (Agricultural)
   Also known as Himsagar, this is widely regarded as one of the finest mangoes in India. It is prized for its creamy, fibreless pulp, rich sweetness, delightful fragrance, and smooth texture. Malda’s unique soil and climate impart its legendary taste.
4. Malda Fazli Mango (Application No. 113)
   Registered: 01.10.2007 (Agricultural)
   A late-season mango variety from Malda, known for its large size, sweet-tangy flavour, juicy pulp, and excellent keeping quality. It is highly popular for both table use and processing.
5. Tulaipanji Rice (Application No. 530)
   Registered: 24.08.2015 (Agricultural)
   An aromatic, fine-grained traditional rice variety from North Dinajpur and surrounding areas. Famous for its pleasant fragrance, soft texture, and excellent taste, Tulaipanji is a heritage rice of Bengal.
6. Gobindabhog Rice (Application No. 531)
   Registered: 24.08.2015 (Agricultural)
   A short-grain, aromatic rice variety traditionally used in Bengali rituals, pujas, and sweets. It is valued for its delicate fragrance, soft texture, and cultural significance.
7. Kalonunia Rice (Application No. 743)
   Registered: 12.03.2021 (Agricultural)
   A black-husked aromatic rice variety known for its nutty flavour, nutritional value, and traditional use in Bengali cuisine.
8. Baruipur Guava (Application No. 1062)
   Registered: 24.02.2023 (Agricultural)
   Sweet, juicy guava from Baruipur in South 24 Parganas, prized for its excellent taste, aroma, and thin skin.
9. Radhunipagal Rice (Application No. 1042)
   Registered: 10.01.2023 (Agricultural)
   Another aromatic rice variety with a distinctive fragrance, widely appreciated in traditional Bengali households.
10. Darjeeling Mandarin (Application No. 943)
    Registered: 22.08.2022 (Agricultural)
    High-quality mandarin oranges grown in the Darjeeling hills, known for their juicy segments, balanced sweetness, and refreshing flavour.

Food Stuff

11. Bardhaman Sitabhog (Application No. 525)
    Registered: 13.03.2015 (Food Stuff)
    A delicate, melt-in-the-mouth sweet from Bardhaman (Burdwan), made from fine rice flour, ghee, and sugar. Traditionally offered to Goddess Durga, it is famous for its subtle flavour and granular texture.
12. Bardhaman Mihidana (Application No. 526)
    Registered: 13.03.2015 (Food Stuff)
    Tiny, golden, bead-like sweets made from gram flour and sugar. Mihidana is one of the most iconic sweets of West Bengal and received GI protection alongside Sitabhog. Both are often called the “Pride of Burdwan.”
13. Banglar Rasogolla (Application No. 533) Registered: 18.09.2015 (Food Stuff) The world-famous spongy, syrup-soaked cheese dumpling that originated in West Bengal. The GI tag legally recognises the traditional Bengali method of preparation using chhana (fresh cheese) and sugar syrup, distinguishing it from other regional variants. It remains Bengal’s most iconic sweet.
14. Sundarban Honey (Application No. 769) Registered: 12.07.2021 (Food Stuff) Pure, natural honey collected from the mangrove forests of the Sundarbans by traditional honey hunters (Mouley). Known for its distinctive floral aroma, rich taste, and medicinal properties derived from diverse mangrove flora. It is one of the most ecologically significant GI products of the state.
15. Kamarpukur Sada Bode (Application No. 1020) Registered: 06.12.2022 (Food Stuff) A traditional white, soft sweet from Kamarpukur (Hooghly district), made with chhana and sugar. It has a unique melt-in-the-mouth texture and subtle flavour.

1. Banglar Nolen Gur Sandesh (Application No. 1022)
   Registered: 06.12.2022 (Food Stuff)
   Delicate sandesh sweets made using seasonal Nolen Gur (date palm jaggery) harvested in winter. This special variety captures the rich, caramel-like flavour of fresh nolen gur and is a winter favourite in Bengal.
2. Murshidabad Chhanabora (Application No. 1035)
   Registered: 21.12.2022 (Food Stuff)
   Traditional deep-fried chhana-based sweets from Murshidabad, known for their golden colour, soft texture, and distinctive flavour.
3. Bishnupur Motichur Laddu (Application No. 1036)
   Registered: 21.12.2022 (Food Stuff)
   Fine-grained, melt-in-the-mouth motichur laddus from Bishnupur, famous for their delicate texture and rich taste.
4. Joynagar Moa (Application No. 382)
   Registered: 10.05.2012 (Food Stuff)
   A winter speciality from Joynagar (South 24 Parganas) made with puffed rice (muri), nolen gur (date palm jaggery), and coconut. It has a unique crunchy-yet-chewy texture and irresistible flavour.

Handicrafts

8. Nakshi Kantha (Application No. 52)
   Registered: 07.04.2006 (Handicraft)
   The world-famous traditional embroidered quilt of Bengal, made from old sarees and cloth using running stitches. Nakshi Kantha features intricate motifs depicting rural life, nature, mythology, and stories. It is a sustainable, women-led craft passed down through generations.
9. Santiniketan Leather Goods (Application No. 104)
   Registered: 12.07.2007 (Handicraft)
   Stylish and durable leather bags, wallets, and accessories made in Santiniketan with traditional craftsmanship and artistic designs inspired by Tagore’s Visva-Bharati ethos.
10. Santipore Saree (Application No. 138)
    Registered: 22.09.2008 (Handicraft)
    Fine cotton sarees from Santipore (Nadia district) known for their lightweight texture, intricate borders, and elegant checks or stripes.
11. Baluchari Saree (Application No. 173)
    Registered: 01.06.2009 (Handicraft)
    Luxurious silk sarees from Baluchar (Murshidabad), famous for their intricate woven motifs depicting mythological scenes, historical events, and nature. They represent one of Bengal’s most sophisticated weaving traditions.
12. Dhaniakhali Saree (Application No. 176)
    Registered: 02.07.2009 (Handicraft)
    Sturdy cotton sarees from Dhaniakhali (Hooghly district) known for their bold borders, vibrant colours, and everyday usability.
13. Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft (Application No. 453)
    Registered: 23.09.2013 (Handicraft)
    Exquisite terracotta pottery and figurines from Panchmura in Bankura, featuring traditional designs of horses, elephants, gods, and rural life. The iconic “Bankura Horse” is a symbol of Bengali folk art.
14. Bengal Dokra (Application No. 563)
    Registered: 17.08.2016 (Handicraft)
    Ancient lost-wax metal casting craft practised by tribal communities in West Bengal. Dokra artefacts (bells, figurines, jewellery, and decorative pieces) have a rustic yet elegant appeal and hold great artistic value.
15. Bengal Patachitra (Application No. 564)
    Registered: 17.08.2016 (Handicraft)
    Traditional scroll paintings from Bengal that narrate mythological stories, folk tales, and social themes using natural colours on cloth or paper.
16. Purulia Chau Mask (Application No. 565)
    Registered: 17.08.2016 (Handicraft)
    Large, colourful, and expressive masks used in the famous Purulia Chhau dance, depicting gods, demons, and animals. They are masterpieces of folk craftsmanship.
17. Wooden Mask of Kushmandi (Application No. 566)
    Registered: 17.08.2016 (Handicraft)
    Intricately carved wooden masks from Kushmandi (Dakshin Dinajpur), used in folk theatre and rituals.
18. Madurkathi (Application No. 567)
    Registered: 18.08.2016 (Handicraft)
    Eco-friendly mats and products woven from a special variety of reed (madur grass) found in Midnapore. Known for their durability, natural fragrance, and fine weaving.
19. Tangail Saree of Bengal, Garad Saree & Korial Saree (Application Nos. 702, 703, 704)
    Registered: 08.09.2020 (Handicraft)
    Traditional handloom sarees with distinct weaving styles and motifs from different regions of Bengal.
20. Banglar Muslin (Application No. 676)
    Registered: 18.11.2019 (Handicraft)
    The legendary ultra-fine, lightweight cotton fabric once called “woven air.” The GI tag revives and protects this ancient weaving excellence of Bengal.
21. Malda Nistari Silk Yarn (Application No. 921)
    Registered: 11.07.2022 (Handicraft)
    High-quality silk yarn produced in Malda using traditional methods.