October 2, 2024: The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai has officially granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to eight traditional products from Assam, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo community. Among these products are three unique varieties of rice beer and several distinctive traditional food items.

The Bodo Traditional Brewers Association played a pivotal role in this achievement, filing for the GI tags for their distinctive rice beers. Bodo Jou Gwran, the strongest of the trio, boasts an impressive alcohol content of around 16.11%. Maibra Jou Bidwi, known for its role as a welcoming drink, is made by fermenting half-cooked rice with a natural yeast called amao. The third variant, Bodo Jou Gishi, further illustrates the community's long-standing tradition of rice beer brewing, which they trace back to ancient times and divine origins.

In addition to the rice beers, the Association of Traditional Food Products successfully secured GI tags for four beloved dishes. Bodo Napham, a delicately fermented fish dish, requires meticulous preparation over two to three months, showcasing traditional preservation methods. Bodo Ondla, a savory rice powder curry, is infused with garlic, ginger, and alkali. Bodo Gwkha, prepared during the vibrant Bwisagu festival, and Bodo Narzi, a nutritious semi-fermented dish made from jute leaves, further highlight the region’s culinary richness.

The Bodo community’s artistry extends to textiles as well, with the Bodo Aronai, a beautifully crafted cloth, also receiving a GI tag. This textile, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 meters long, features designs inspired by the natural world, encapsulating the community's deep connection to their environment.

The granting of these GI tags not only protects the Bodo community’s culinary and textile heritage but also promotes awareness of their unique cultural identity, rich traditions, and artisanal craftsmanship.