West Bengal’s Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara and Balagarh’s Traditional Boats Receive GI Tags

West Bengal’s another three products got the GI Tag recognition for Chandannagar’s Jalbhara Sandesh, Janai’s Manohara, and Balagarh’s traditional wooden boats, it was awarded by the Government of India. This recognition protects the authenticity of these iconic products and it promoting their unique identity in the domestic and international markets.

West Bengal’s Latest GI-Tagged Products

The latest GI registrations recognize total three traditional products from Hooghly district in West Bengal,

• Chandannagar’s Jalbhara Sandesh
• Janai’s Manohara
• Balagarh’s Traditional Wooden Boats (Dingi Boats)

These products are closely associated with the region’s history, craftsmanship and culinary traditions and it will now enjoys legal protection under India’s Geographical Indications framework.

Story Behind Chandannagar’s Jalbhara Sandesh

Among one of the Bengal’s famous sweets, Jalbhara Sandesh occupies a special place. It was created in the 19th century by legendary confectioner Surya Modak, the sweet is popularly known as “Jamai Thokano Mishti”.

According to the local folklore, the sweet was specially prepared for the Bandyopadhyay family of the Telinipara to surprise visiting sons-in-law. Surya Modak designed a sandesh resembling an ice apple kernel and secretly filled it with fragrant rose-flavoured syrup.

When it bitten, this liquid filling unexpectedly bursts out, and giving the sweet its name “Jalbhara,” meaning “filled with liquid.”

Today, this Jalbhara Sandesh is available in several flavours, including chocolate, mango, and strawberry, and retaining its traditional preparation method.

Janai’s Manohara: Another Iconic Bengali Sweet

The famous Manohara sweet from the Janai has also received GI recognition.

It is known for its distinctive sugar-coated exterior and soft cottage cheese (chhena) filling, Manohara has been a cherished Bengali delicacy for the many generations.

Its unique preparation technique and also a regional identity distinguish it from similar sweets produced elsewhere.

The GI tag is also expected to strengthen the sweet’s branding and help preserve the its traditional recipe.

Balagarh’s Traditional Boat-Making Heritage

The GI tag has also been awarded to the Balagarh’s traditional wooden boats, it is a craft with a history spanning more than 500 years.

It is located along the Hooghly River, Balagarh emerged as the important boat-building centre during the era of the historic Saptagram Port.

The skilled artisans manufactured the various wooden boats, that were used for trade, fishing, transportation, and river navigation across the parts of eastern India.

This region has became known for producing Dingi boats, and which later evolved into larger vessels.

Why Is the GI Tag Significant?

A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is the intellectual property right which is granted to products that possess qualities or a reputation linked to a specific geographical region.

The recognition offers several benefits such as,

• Protection Against Counterfeiting
• Better Market Recognition
• Boost to Local Economy
• Export Opportunities