New Delhi, Mar 1: Arunachal Pradesh marked a historic milestone with the inaugural Arunachal GI Mahotsav 2025, the state’s first-ever Geographical Indication (GI) festival, being held at Select City Walk, Saket in the national capital.
This event was inaugurated by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in presence of Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Arunachal West MP and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, and other dignitaries on Friday.
The three-day Mahotsav, themed “Craft, Cuisine, and Culture”, serves as a platform to highlight the state’s unique heritage, craftsmanship, and indigenous products while reinforcing the government’s commitment to protecting and promoting Arunachal’s GI-tagged items.
In his keynote address, Deputy CM Chowna Mein, who is also the chief patron and the visionary behind the festival, emphasized the importance of Geographical Indications (GI) in safeguarding regional products that are deeply rooted in the state's diverse cultural and ecological landscape.
Mein noted that Arunachal Pradesh, with its 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes, is home to a wealth of traditional textiles, arts, crafts, agricultural produce, and culinary traditions. GI registration, he said, not only offers legal protection but also enhances economic opportunities and cultural preservation.
The state's GI journey began in 2014 with the registration of Arunachal Orange and Idu Mishmi Textiles & Handicrafts. This was followed by applications for Adi Kekir (local ginger), Khao Tai (Khamti rice), and Monpa Maize (high-altitude maize) in 2016. A major breakthrough came in 2024 when the state achieved 18 new GI registrations, bringing the total to 20. Notably, these include India’s first-ever GI-recognized handmade paper and millet-based wine, Marua Apo.
Mein also acknowledged the efforts of NABARD and Padma Shri awardee Dr Rajnikant, revealing that 24 more products are currently under application. He announced the state's ambitious goal of securing 50+ GI registrations by 2029, ensuring the sustainable growth of its heritage industries.
The Arunachal GI Mahotsav 2025 was a vibrant celebration, featuring traditional textiles, indigenous agricultural produce, and exquisite craftsmanship. It also served as a platform to promote local artisans and farmers, strengthening economic opportunities for rural communities.
A major attraction of the festival was the theme song “Symphony of Arunachal”, performed by the Tani Daughters. The event also witnessed a mesmerizing musical performance by singer, composer, and songwriter Taba Chake. The Arunachal GI Brochure was also launched at the event to raise awareness about the state's GI products.
The festival was attended by State’s Tourism Minister P D Sona, Agriculture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu, MP Tapir Gao, Nagaland MP Phangnon Konyak, Assam MP Amarsing Tisso, and several MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh. Chief Secretary Manish Gupta and Padma Shri awardee Dr Rajnikant were also present at the occasion.
The festival not only promoted GI-tagged products but also showcased Arunachal Pradesh’s immense tourism potential. Mein invited people from across India to explore the scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and rich heritage of the Himalayan state.