Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level : About the GI tag
Mains level : Significance of GI tagging
- The famous Palani panchamirtham, given as ‘prasadam’ at the Murugan temple at Palani has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
- This is the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been given the GI tag.
About the Panchamirtham
- It is sweet in taste and one of the main offerings for Lord Dhandayuthapani Swamy, the presiding deity of Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, situated on Palani Hills.
- The panchamirtham is a combination of five natural substances — banana, jaggery, cow ghee, honey and cardamom.
- Dates and diamond sugar candies are added for flavour.
- The panchamirtham is an ‘abhishega prasadam’ (food that is a religious offering), which is served in a semi-solid state.
- Not even a single drop of water is added during the preparation of the panchamirtham.
- This gives it its classic semi-solid consistency and taste. No preservatives or artificial ingredients are used.
What’s special with it?
- The whole process of producing the panchamirtham is automated. It is doubly ensured that the hygienic aspects are maintained.
- Devotees who visit the temple are offered the panchamirtham as a prasadam in the hill temple as well as in stalls run by temple administration at Adivaram.
- It is believed that the panchamirtham cures diseases of devotees.
About the region
- As per the GI application, the geographical area for production of panchamirtham is Palani town in Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu. It lies within latitude of 10.44 ° and longitude of 77.52 °.
- According to the GI application filed, the Palani panchamirtham is prepared under the guidance given by the CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute) Mysore, a government of India undertaking.
Back2Basics
Geographical Indications in India
- A Geographical Indication is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
- Such a name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality.
- This tag is valid for a period of 10 years following which it can be renewed.
- Recently the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has launched the logo and tagline for the Geographical Indications (GI) of India.
- The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.
- The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act) is a sui generis Act for protection of GI in India.
- India, as a member of the WTO enacted the Act to comply with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights
- Geographical Indications protection is granted through the TRIPS Agreement.https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/panchamirtham-of-palani-temple-gets-gi-tag/article29089343.ece?homepage=true