Gujarati handicraft ‘Gharchola’ gets GI tag

Why in news?

• Recently, Gujarat's cultural handicraft heritage Gharchola has got GI tag.
• This is the 23rd GI tag received by Gujarat in the handicraft sector.

Gharchola:

• Gharchola means the cloth worn at home.
• Here the home is actually considered as the bride's new house,
  • Chola is the cloth which she wears while entering that house.
• Gharchola saree is a very special part of Gujarati weddings.
• It is made of cotton or silk.
• Zari work is done on it and figures of peacock, lotus, flowers and leaves are made.
• The making of Gharchola started from Khambhat district of Gujarat.
• This saree is identified by its grid pattern.
• These sarees are traditionally worn by Hindu and Jain communities on auspicious occasions such as marriages.

Geographical Indication (GI Tag):

• GI tag is mainly given to agricultural, natural or manufactured goods that have unique qualities, reputation or other characteristic features associated with its geographical origin.
• It is a type of intellectual property right.
• In India, the registration of GI tag is regulated by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• GI tag is given by Geographical Indication Registry, headquartered in Chennai.
• Its registration is valid for 10 years and after 10 years the registration can be renewed again.