Gandhinagar: Govt of India (GoI) granted the geographical indication (GI) tag for the gharchola, a traditional sari worn during weddings. In recent years, Gujarat received 27 GI tags, of which 23 are in the handicrafts sector alone.
A govt statement said on Friday that the coveted GI tag for gharchola handicrafts was presented to Gujarat at the "GI and Beyond – Virasat Se Vikas Tak" programme in New Delhi, hosted by handlooms development commissioner, ministry of textiles, govt of India.
"The GI recognition for gharchola demonstrates Gujarat's commitment to guarding its rich artistic heritage. This esteemed recognition celebrates the exquisite craftsmanship and cultural depth of gharchola handicrafts, propelling it to greater prominence on the global stage," the statement said.
Gujarati gharchola saris are traditionally worn on occasions such as weddings in the Hindu and Jain communities. Historically, they were crafted in auspicious colours such as red, maroon, green and yellow, which hold special significance in Hindu customs. Today, Gujarat's weavers are infusing modern designs and techniques into their gharcholas, blending tradition with contemporary appeal.
This evolution in craftsmanship led to the creation of more elegant saris, sparking a surge in demand for gharcholas across the market. These exquisite pieces are now available at Garvi Gurjari sales centres across the state, the statement said.
The GI tag for the gharcholas not only affirms their authenticity and uniqueness but also serves as a vital marketing tool to promote these cultural treasures globally, the statement said.