Three traditional Himachali products, Ransingha, wood carving craft and handmade Galecha have been bestowed with the Geographical Indication (GI) products tag.The recognition marks an important milestone in the protection and promotion of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, traditional craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge. A total of 15 products from Himachal already have the GI tag. This includes the Kullu and Kinnauri shawls, Kangra tea, Chamba rumal, Kangra miniature painting, Kala zeera, Lahauli woollen gloves and socks, wild apricot (chulli) oil, Chamba embroidered chappal.Additionally, some more potential GI products from Himachal which have been identified include Chamba metal craft, Kinnauri jewellery, Spiti chharma, Bharmour rajma, Pangi ki thangi, Chamba chukh, red rice, dasangru and Sirmauri loia, Karsog kulthi, Himachali dham, Himachali musical instruments, Kinnauri apple and sepu badi.Himachal wood carving craft represents the state’s rich artistic legacy through its intricate designs, motifs and traditional carving techniques.The Himachal Pradesh Regional Office (HPRO) of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) facilitated the GI tag in collaboration with local producer groups, artisans’ collectives and other stakeholders. The initiative is aimed at protecting the unique identity of these traditional products, strengthening their market recognition and ensuring that the artisans and communities associated with them benefit from enhanced visibility and value realisation.The Ransingha is a traditional metal musical instrument closely linked with the cultural, religious and ceremonial life of the people and used in practically all parts of Himachal. Himachal wood carving craft represents the state’s rich artistic legacy through its intricate designs, motifs and traditional carving techniques. The handmade Galecha (carpet) reflects the distinctive hand-crafted textile tradition of the state and continues to be an important source of livelihood for artisan households and weaving communities.The handmade Galecha (carpet) reflects the distinctive hand-crafted textile tradition of the state.The GI tag is expected to help preserve these traditional skills, prevent imitation and misuse of product names and create a stronger identity for genuine Himachali products. It will also support better branding, market access and consumer recognition, thereby improving livelihood opportunities for artisans and producer communities.NABARD HPRO supported the GI application process through stakeholder mobilisation, documentation of traditional knowledge and production practices, coordination with concerned agencies and facilitation of technical support required for successful registration. The recognition of these products as GI products highlights the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding local heritage and promoting rural enterprises.Dr Vivek Pathania, Chief General Manager, HPRO, NABARD said the GI registration of these three Himachali products is a significant step towards preserving the state’s cultural identity and promoting sustainable livelihoods for traditional artisans.