GI stands for Geographical Indication. It indicates an authentic product and is used on products that originate in a specific geographical location and have special qualities that differentiate them from other products. The central government of India granted the GI mark to some products that meet the required quality and characteristics as per the guidelines for this tag. The first GI tag was given to Darjeeling tea.
Basmati rice and Banarasi sarees also have a GI tag, which informs people about authentic products. It is a universal tag.
GI also protects traditional craftsmanship, in which talented artisans put their effort and time into creating an attractive style statement.
The Essence of Pashmina
Pashmina is a royal and timeless beauty, as well as an ancient art form. Apart from the entire handwork of skilled artisans using age-old techniques, its origin is also special. It is obtained from the rare breed of Changthnig goats, which are found 3,500 to 4,000 feet above sea level in Kashmir and Ladakh, Tibet, and China.
Every Kashmiri artisan loves this craft, and people of every generation are involved in it, with most of them depending on it for their livelihood. Pashmina symbolizes the feeling of luxury.
Why GI Tagging is Important for Pashmina
Pashmina is in high demand worldwide, especially Kashmiri pashmina. Due to its rarity, production process, and being hand-spun and handmade, which is time consuming, its availability is limited. To make up for this, sellers produce machine made imitations of pashmina shawls, wraps, and scarves.
To prevent counterfeiting and fairly compensate the hard-working Kashmiri artisans, this special mark distinguishes pashmina worldwide for its softness, exceptional warmth and lightness, breathability, and durability.
The Process of GI Certification for Pashmina
In 2008, the central government of India issued the GI certification tag to Kashmiri Pashmina to identify the unique characteristics of the Pashmina product. First, an application must be made for registration with the artisans’ society, for example, Tahsuffuz.
Then, the seller’s product must pass the GI test at the Pashmina Testing and Quality Certification Center by providing proof that the product is made of pure Pashmina wool fiber, with a micron diameter between 10 to 16, not more than this range. It must also be completely hand-woven and hand-spun and originate from Kashmiri or Ladakh Pashmina wool. If the product meets all these criteria, it is labeled with the Gi tag. The best thing about this mark is that anyone can verify it on the Pashmina certification website.
What Makes GI Pashmina Unique?
Material
Raw Pashmina is obtained from Changthangi goats, which are rare in themselves and the process of its origin is also natural. Himalayan Changthangi goats grow cashmere fiber on their bodies in winter, and in summer and spring, they shed it naturally. The fiber is then collected and handed over to the women of Kashmir who clean, comb, and hand spin, and then male artisans take over the process of transforming thread into luxurious Pashmina products.
Craftsmanship
Talented and skilled Kashmiri artisans are involved in this entire hand-woven process of Pashmina. They follow the traditional technique to create masterpieces of hand-made Pashmina shawls, wraps, and scarves.
Cultural Significance
Pashmina is not just the heritage of Kashmir but also the national heritage of India. It represents the roots of Kashmir and the hard work of Kashmiri artists. Pashmina is also considered the best gift for everyone, allowing them to experience royalty in their look.
Benefits of GI Tag for Pashmina
- It helps preserve cultural heritage and keeps the art alive.
- The GI tag provides satisfaction to buyers when they invest a significant amount of money, as authenticity is guaranteed.
- It differentiates the product in the global market and provides better recognition, which directly values the efforts of the artisans.
Challenges Facing GI Pashmina
The number of fake pashmina products is increasing in the market, and this is happening due to the lack of awareness among buyers about the GI tag and how to identify real Kashmiri pashmina. Many buyers are unaware of the existence of the GI tag to check for authenticity. Due to high demand and limited availability, and competition in the market, machine made pashmina is also available and selling at a good price.
However, people who are deeply connected to their roots, are fond of fashion, and invest in cultural heritage while appreciating traditional royalty still prefer to buy pure pashmina garments. This highlights the importance of GI-tagged pashmina.
How to Identify Genuine GI Pashmina
Check the GI tag certification label on every genuine Pashmina product and scan it to verify that the tag is authentic, as fraudulent sellers try to replicate every part. Scan it on the Pashmina certification website for verification. When buying Pashmina Products, check their texture, softness, and weave design, and buy only from verified and genuine sellers for online shopping. Try to contact them to learn more about them and their products.
Conclusion
GI Pashmina is a symbol of trust and certification of its authenticity, origin, qualities, and cultural richness. The unmatched quality and technique of creating regal masterpieces are part of Indian heritage, and preserving them is the main concern for the pride of the country and to encourage the younger generation to continue our ancient skills. Their hard work is celebrated across the world, and the GI tag helps many conscious customers invest in original art.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the GI tag for Pashmina?
To preserve the art of Indian heritage, Kashmiri artisans not only create pashmina garments but also pour their hearts into designing them with great love. The GI tag preserves the technique and serves as proof for customers to easily identify pure pashmina in a world filled with machine-made imitations.
How can I verify if a Pashmina product is GI-certified?
Every GI-verified pashmina has a tag or label attached with the code, which you can verify on the pashmina certification website to confirm the authenticity of the GI tag.
Why is GI Pashmina more expensive than regular Pashmina?
GI Pashmina indicates 100% pure Pashmina, meaning it is made in Kashmir and has unique properties. Pashmina wool is produced from rare goats, and its entire process is handmade, requiring a lot of time, effort, and dedication, which makes it costlier than regular Pashmina. Regular Pashmina is not durable, is of mixed quality, and is machine made.