13-06-2025
Proud day for artists: GI tag conferred on sitar and tanpura makers from Miraj
Kolhapur: Artisans from Sangli's Miraj, known for handcrafting traditional string instruments like sitar and tanpura were conferred the GI (Geographical Identification) tag on Friday.
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The ceremony, held in Vashi in Mumbai, brought together artisans, musicians, instrument makers, and representatives from music companies to celebrate the recognition.
Geographical identification plays a vital role in safeguarding the interests of producers, consumers and the cultural heritage associated with unique regional products.
It promotes authenticity, quality and economic growth while ensuring that traditional practices and knowledge are preserved for future generations.
Miraj Musical Instrument Cluster was awarded the GI tag for Sitar, Soultune Musical Instrument Producer Company for Tanpura.
The musicians, after the event, asserted that Miraj will be known across the world as music city exporting string instruments.
Mohsin Mirajkar, Miraj Musical Instrument Cluster head, said: "Miraj city has a tradition of making string instruments since 1850. Miraj will get a different identity due to GI tags and it will be a boost for the city on the tourist map."
"Nearly 25 families of hereditary sitar and tanpura makers continue to live in the Shaniwar Peth area of Miraj. Our sixth and seventh generation is now involved in crafting string instruments like tanpura, sitar, dilruba, sarangi, rudraveena, etc," he added.
The recognition is a matter of pride for the certified GI tag holders.
Mubin Mirajkar, Soultune Musical Instrument Producer Company chief, said: "The speciality of the wood and gourd and the quality achieved through modern craftsmanship have given the instruments global recognition, and now the GI tag."
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Hupari Silver Craft under Chandi Karkhandar Association-Hupari (Kolhapur), Vasmat Haldi (Turmeric) under Hon Balasaheb Thackeray Haridra Research and training center, Nandurbar Amchur under AMU Aakha Ek Se Farmers Producer Company Limited, Nandurbar and Nandurbar Mirchi under Sewa Samiti, Nandurbar, Sawantwadi wooden craft under Sutar Samaj Hastkala Producer Company Limited, Sindhudurg were also conferred with Geographical Identification tag on Friday.
Maharashtra state co-operation minister Babasaheb Patil was the chief guest of the event.
Minister of state for cooperation Dr Pankaj Bhoyar, principal secretary (cooperation and marketing) Praveen Darade, co-operative commissioner and registrar of co-operative societies Deepak Taware, Nabard chief general manager Rashmi Darad were also present at the event.
