The awarding of the famous Geographical Indication (GI) marking to Ryndia, the state’s handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed, and organically manufactured fabric, marks an important milestone in Meghalaya’s rich textile legacy. Meghalaya Handloom Products are also recognized by the Geographical Indications Registry, which is part of the Intellectual Property Office of the Government of India. This confirms their status as distinctive cultural assets. With the help of NABARD and Dr. Rajnikanth’s technical expertise, the Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya, was instrumental in this accomplishment.
The government carefully pursued the GI registration over a four-year period in partnership with the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association. Soon after Umden-Diwon was formally designated as Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk village on February 12, 2021, this endeavor got underway. Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Textiles, led a delegation of Silk Village artisans, Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association members, and department officials in the last push. The GI badge reaffirms the state’s dedication to conserving and advancing traditional handicraft both domestically and internationally, strengthening its standing as a center for indigenous textiles.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma shared this information on social media, writing, “We are pleased to announce that Meghalaya’s Khasi handloom and Ryndia silk have been recognized with Geographical Indication (GI) tags, highlighting their unique cultural heritage and craftsmanship. For the state’s handloom weavers, who keep up their admirable efforts to maintain our vibrant indigenous handloom and weave our history, legacy, and story over the years, this is a significant milestone.”
