India's culinary map just got richer with six traditional food items receiving the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2025. This recognition celebrates the unique flavours and heritage tied to specific regions of the country, protecting their identity and quality.
What is a GI Tag and Why Does it Matter?
A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is an official sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin. It acts as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a certain reputation because of its geographical origin. For India, a land of immense diversity, GI tags help preserve and promote unique regional specialties, from foods and handicrafts to textiles.
The Sweet Winners of 2025
The year 2025 saw a delightful array of sweets and one traditional sweetener earning national recognition. West Bengal emerged as a major winner, with four of its iconic sweets being honoured.
Nolen Gurer Sandesh from West Bengal received its GI tag in April 2025. This beloved sweet is distinct for its use of fresh chhena (cottage cheese) and nolen gur, which is date palm jaggery. The jaggery imparts a unique, seasonal flavour that is highly prized.
Also honoured in April 2025 was Murshidabad Chhanabora. This sweet, with roots tracing back to the Mughal era, is made from fresh chhena shaped into small balls and soaked in sugar syrup. It is known for its distinctive gentle chewy centre.
Bishnupur Motichoor Laddoo stands out for its unique ingredient. Instead of the customary besan (gram flour), these laddoos are made from flour derived from piyal seeds (Indian almond tree). The tiny pearls are deep-fried in ghee, seasoned with cardamom, and are renowned for their aromatic quality.
The fourth Bengali sweet to join the list is Kamarpukursada Bonde. These are pale-coloured balls made from a wheat flour batter, deep-fried to a crisp exterior while remaining soft inside, and finally soaked in sugar syrup.
Honours Beyond Bengal
The GI recognition in 2025 was not confined to Eastern India. Two other significant products from different parts of the country were also celebrated.
In December 2025, Meerut's Gajak and Rewri from Uttar Pradesh received the GI tag. This 121-year-old winter sweet tradition involves crafting treats from sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts. This was a recent and significant win for the state's culinary heritage.
From the south, Kavindapadi nattu sakkarai from Tamil Nadu was also awarded the GI tag in December 2025. This is a traditional jaggery made by crushing fresh sugarcane and slow-boiling the juice over a wood fire. It is celebrated for being completely natural—containing zero chemicals, sulphur, or undergoing refining. It is identified by its dark golden-brown colour, soft-powder texture, deep caramel aroma, and rich mineral content.
A Boost for Heritage and Economy
The awarding of GI tags to these six food items is more than just an accolade. It serves multiple purposes:
- Preservation: It helps protect traditional recipes and production methods from being lost or copied without credit.
- Authenticity: It assures consumers of the product's genuine origin and quality.
- Economic Value: It enhances the marketability of the product, potentially boosting the livelihoods of local artisans and farmers involved in its production.
This move by the authorities underscores the incredible diversity of India's gastronomic landscape and ensures that these regional treasures continue to be savoured for generations to come, with their stories intact.
