Recognition of Tripura's Traditional 'Risa' Attire - Geographical Indication (GI) Tag Announced!

 1: A Snapshot of the Renowned Risa of Tripura

- Risa is a handwoven textile which is a part of the traditional attire of Tripura.

- It is used as an upper garment by women and holds enormous social and religious importance in their culture.

- In a significant cultural event known as 'Risa Sormani', young Tripuri girls aged between 12 to 14 are bestowed with a risa.

- On the religious front, it is worn in tribal community festivals like Garia Puja, symbolising prosperity and unity, as well as during weddings.

- Risa is resourcefulness embodied, serving multiple practical purposes -  from a head scarf to a cummerbund, and even as an improvised hanger to carry infants.

- It is also presented as a token of honour and respect to esteemed guests and achievers.

- The traditional Tripuri female attire comprises Risa, Rignai (lower garment), and Rikutu (wrap for newlywed women).

- Risa’s historical rootedness goes back far before the rule of the Manikya kings, who governed Tripura for more than 500 years in the 15th century.

 2: Understanding the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

- A GI tag is a protective mark given to products that have specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation that are due to that origin.

- This tag ensures that only those authorised (usually residents of the geographical territory) are allowed to use the famous product name.

- It offers protection to producers who can certify the geographical origin of their products, preventing unauthorised parties from copying imitations.

- A registered GI is valid for a period of 10 years.

- The department responsible for registration of GI Tags in India is the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

 3: Legal Framework Governing GI Tags

- The regulation of GI tags in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

- This framework aligns with the World Trade Organization Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

- The Paris Convention underscores the importance of protecting industrial property and geographical indications as key components of intellectual property through Articles 1(2) and 10.

 4: GI Tag for Risa – The Significance

- The traditional tribal attire ‘risa’ from Tripura has recently been conferred the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

- This accreditation acknowledges the uniqueness and ubiquity of this textile tradition in Tripura, and it contributes to the state's cultural identity.

- The GI tag will also aid in amplifying the recognition of Risa and improving the local economy by adding value to the product.

- This acknowledgement also encourages preservation and perpetuation of traditional crafts and folklore.