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GI tag to 'Panchamirtham’ of Palani temple
Why is it in the news?
- The famous Palani panchamirtham, given as ‘prasadam’ at the Murugan temple there, has been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
More in the news
- This is the first time a temple ‘prasadam’ from Tamil Nadu has been bestowed with the GI tag.
- The panchamirtham is a combination of five natural substances:
- Banana.
- Jaggery.
- Cow ghee.
- Honey.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- GI tag would help boost the local economy in Palani.
Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
- A geographical indication (GI) is a tag on products which indicates their specific geographical origin, quality or a reputation it acquires due to its origin.
- It conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to the fact of its origin in that defined geographical locality, region or country.
- The GI tag in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999.
- GIs are also covered under Articles 22 to 24 of the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
Source
The Hindu.