A fair to remember

The Geographical Indication (GI) Fair in Greater Noida proved to be a captivating experience and a shopper’s delight, drawing hundreds of visitors to the two-day event. The second edition of the fair , held on July 23 – 24, showcased an array of India’s famed GI products, and featured artists and producers from all corners of the country.

One could not miss the special GI tag while buying the authentic Darjeeling tea or the exquisite Kashmiri saffron. The GI tag certifies that these products possess unique characteristics as they originate from specific geographical regions, making them one of a kind and best sourced from local vendors.

With over 450 artists and producers participating, the fair celebrated various traditional crafts and produce. Among the attractions, the horn carving art from Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, captured the attention of buyers and visitors alike. Skilled artisan Mohammad Imran, with over 30 years of experience, revealed the intricacy involved in crafting bowls, spoons, and glassware using buffalo horn, a craft unique to Sambhal.

“We make these products like bowls, spoons, and glass using the buffalo horn. It is unique to Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh,” said Imran, who came from Sambhal. It takes me 3-5 days to carve a design from the buffalo horn, he added.

Equally mesmerising were the meticulously crafted metal art pieces by Bidri artist Mohammad Ibrahim. Bidriware, an exquisite metal inlay craft of Karnataka dating back to the 14th century, has earned a GI tag, preserving its rich heritage.

“I have been crafting such art pieces for over 30 years now. I have presented my work across the globe. Yet, very few people are willing to buy such hand-crafted products,” expressed Ibrahim, the Bidri artist.

Visitors were enamoured by the intricate patterns and motifs created by inlaying silver or gold onto blackened alloy surfaces.

The fair also featured several other artists whose work received recent GI tags, including those of woodcraft, the famous blue pottery of Jaipur, leather toys of Indore, locks of Aligarh, and Dendrite Agate stone from Banda, among others.

Over 460 Indian products displayed at the fair are considered unique to their place of origin thanks to the global GI tag. Each product showcases the rich cultural diversity and artistic brilliance of India’s traditional crafts and agricultural heritage. Some of the famous goods which carry this tag include Basmati rice, Darjeeling tea, Chanderi fabric, Kashmir saffron, Mysore silk, Kullu shawl, Kangra tea, Thanjavur paintings, Allahabad surkha, Farrukhabad prints, Lucknow zardozi and Kashmir walnut wood carving.