The Thirubhuvanam Silk Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Production and Sale Society has been accorded Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its silk sarees.

The Unique Features:

The Thirubhuvanam silk saree, known for its intricate border and pallu designs, measures about 18 feet in length and 4 feet in breadth with one side border.

The speciality of the saree is that filature silk is used for both warp and weft resulting in high quality, shining, uniformity and lustre.

Known as a traditional wedding saree of medium weight with motifs, body and border woven in the same single warp, its pallu is woven continuously on the loom.

The weaving technique used in the making of the saree is called porai ilupu,which distinguishes it from the pitni work of Kancheepuram silk saree. Another uniqueness of the silk saree is its visiri madippu — a pattern of folding that looks like a hand-held palm fan.

Further, the technique of weaving by frequently changing of warp yarns and maintaining the tension of warp naturally gives sufficient stiffness to the saree and has better drapability.

What is Geographical Indication?

• Geographical Indication is a genre of Intellectual Property.
• GI tag is an insignia on products having a unique geographical origin and evolution over centuries with regards to its special quality or reputation attributes.
• The status to the products marks its authenticity and ensures that registered authorised users are allowed to use the popular product name.
• These could be naturally grown crops like Assam Chilies or manufactured products like Jaipur Pottery.
• GI tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
• The registration of GI isvalid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed.
• Violation of GI tags is punishable offence under law.