Ayodhya's Famous Hanumangarhi Laddu Eyes GI Tag Before Ram Temple Inauguration

Ahead of the Ram Temple's grand inauguration on January 22, Ayodhya's treasured Hanumangarhi laddu is set to receive Geographical Indication (GI) tag. On Monday, the Chennai GI Registry approved the application for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, propelling this iconic sweet from local delicacy to a globally distinguished product.

Rajni Kant, a GI tag specialist based in Varanasi and the driving force behind the GI tag for the Ayodhya Hanumangarhi Laddu, played a pivotal role in this achievement, as reported by the Times of India (TOI).

"Our luck and the legacy of our ancestors have granted us the opportunity to achieve GI registration for Ayodhya Hanumangarhi Laddus during this historic month, nearing the Prana Pratishtha ceremony of Lord Shri Ram," Kant told TOI.

Reports indicate that approximately 200 persons in Ayodhya are involved in crafting these laddus, yielding an average daily production of 20-25 quintals. Handcrafted at the Hanumangarhi temple, these laddus are meticulously made with indigenous ghee and locally sourced gram flour, offered as Bhog to Lord Hanuman.

The final GI certification is expected in the coming months, culminating an exhaustive documentation process. The Halwai Kalyan Samiti of Ayodhya officially submitted the proposal, placing the laddu under the "food items" category.

The GI certification acts as an international endorsement for products that authentically represent a specific craft, culture, or community. It's a distinction that was recently attained by the Jalesar Metal Craft of UP, known for the colossal 2,100-kg metal bell, now designated for donation to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir.

Rajni Kant, an advocate for GI crafts, boasts a remarkable international presence, having participated in shows across Indonesia, Singapore, Germany, Israel, Abu Dhabi, and Turkey. He has received accolades such as the Lokmat Samman in 2018, the National Intellectual Property Award in 2017, and the Samay Udyami Award in 2012 for his outstanding contributions as a social entrepreneur.

So, as pilgrims flock to Ayodhya for the momentous temple consecration, they can savor not just the spiritual significance of the occasion but also the sweet taste of global recognition for the exquisite Hanumangarhi laddu.