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Eight Traditional Products of Assam’s Bodo Tribe Granted GI Tag
Context:
The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry in Chennai has granted GI tags to eight products from the Assam region, specifically highlighting traditional food items and unique varieties of rice beer from the Bodo community.
More on News:
The successful application of these GI tags underscores the significance of preserving and promoting traditional knowledge and practices, ensuring that the Bodo community’s cultural identity continues to thrive for generations to come.
The Products and Their Significance:
- Bodo Jou Gwran: This rice beer variant boasts the highest alcohol content (about 16.11%) among the Bodo community’s rice beers. It is a testament to the Bodo people’s ancient brewing techniques.
- Maibra Jou Bidwi: Known locally as ‘Maibra Jwu Bidwi’ or ‘Maibra Zwu Bidwi’, this rice beer is revered and often served as a welcome drink.
- It is prepared by fermenting half-cooked rice (mairong) with minimal water and a bit of ‘amao’, a potential yeast source.
- Bodo Jou Gishi: Another traditionally fermented rice-based alcoholic beverage, believed to have originated from Lord Shiva and used as a medicinal drink.
- Bodo Napham: A favourite dish of fermented fish, prepared anaerobically in a tightly sealed container over two to three months.
- The preservation techniques employed include smoking, drying, salting, fermentation, and marination, particularly important during times of heavy rainfall when fish availability is limited.
- Bodo Ondla: A rice powder curry flavoured with garlic, ginger, salt, and alkali. This dish is a staple in Bodo cuisine and reflects the community’s culinary ingenuity.
- Bodo Gwkha: Locally known as ‘Gwka Gwkhi’, this dish is specially prepared during the Bwisagu festival, coinciding with the Bihu festival. It showcases the Bodo people’s festive culinary traditions.
- Bodo Narzi: A semi-fermented food made with jute leaves, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and essential minerals. This dish underscores the Bodo community’s use of locally available resources for nutrition.
- Bodo Aronai: A beautifully crafted cloth featuring nature-inspired designs, used to honour and felicitate guests. This small cloth (1.5-2.5 metres long and 0.5 metres wide) symbolises the Bodo traditional culture.
- This application was facilitated by the Association of Traditional Bodo Weavers.
Cultural Significance:
- The recognition of these products through GI tags not only honours the Bodo community’s rich heritage but also highlights their unique contributions to the cultural landscape of Assam.
- The Bodo people’s traditions are reflected in their vibrant dance, music, festivals, and clothing, often inspired by nature.
- Their textiles feature designs incorporating elements from their surroundings, including trees, flowers, mountains, and birds.
The Geographical Indications (GI) Registry:
- It is a government body responsible for registering and protecting geographical indications (GIs) within a particular country.
- GIs are signs used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- GI Registry in India: The Indian government established the Geographical Indications Registry under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
