The State has secured the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Ryndia, its handwoven, handspun, naturally dyed, organically produced, ethically sourced fabric, along with Meghalaya handloom products.
The announcement was made by the Geographical Indications (GI) Authority, under the Government of India, and has been officially registered on its website.
Ryndia, which is the local name for eri, has earned a name for themselves for their singular ahimsa peace silk. With organic dyes, natural colours, vibrancy, eye for detail, woven and spun by its weavers and spinners right from pre-cocoon to post-cocoon, it is an exclusive heirloom and traditional fabric, which Meghalaya is proud of.
The achievement is the result of sustained efforts by the Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya, which spearheaded the process with the support of NABARD and technical assistance from Dr. Rajnikanth.
The application was jointly submitted by the Textiles Department and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, with the process spanning over four years.
The initiative gained momentum following the official recognition of Umden-Diwon as Meghalaya’s first Eri Silk village on February 12, 2021.
A delegation led by Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Principal Secretary, Department of Textiles, and comprising officials, members of the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, and practising artisans from the Silk village, actively participated in the final Consultative GI Group meeting held in Kolkata on November 20, 2024.
This milestone not only enhances the identity of Brand Meghalaya but also strengthens the state’s position in the handloom and textile industry, paving the way for greater national and global recognition.
