Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi Besan laddoo earns GI tag

India is a land of flavours and traditions. The country features a wide range of unique dishes that are associated with particular regions, and granting a Geographical Indication (GI) designation to all such flavors is a way of recognizing the beauty of the dish.
As per a report by ANI, as Ayodhya prepares for the historic consecration of the Ram temple, the iconic

Hanuman Garhi Besan Laddoo

has been recognized with the GT tag, as it possesses the unique qualities associated with that specific region.

What is Hanuman Garhi Besan Laddoo
It's a famous laddoo only produced in Ayodhay and is offered to Lord Hanuman at the prestigious Bajrangbalihanuman Garhi temple. And as the name suggests, it is made with roasted gram flour (besan) and also uses ghee and sugar.

It is believed that the darshan of Lord Ram is said to be incomplete without first seeking permission from Lord Hanuman. In Ayodhya, Hanuman is revered as the Kotwal, or guardian, ensuring the sanctity of the city.
As per reports, the laddoo is a renowned delicacy for generations and is offered to Lord Hanuman. It is reported that the specialty associated with Hanuman Garhi Laddoos is that there are different ways of making them, but everybody likes it, and people come from different parts of the world to enjoy this sweet delight associated with Ayodhya.

Importance of the GI tag
The primary objective of this tag is to safeguard the distinctive identity and legacy of the dish. This further contributes to preserving the cultural heritage and promoting the economic interests of the local producers of the product.
After the official declaration was made about the Hanuman Garhi Besan laddoo, the makers associated with making laddoos expressed gratitude to the government for the significant initiative, as reported by the news agency ANI. "It is a matter of great joy not only for all the citizens of Ayodhya but also for Modak Samaj. I want to thank the government for this excellent initiative. This is like icing on the cake, as we are inaugurating Ram Mandir on one hand, and on the other hand, Hanuman Garhi Ladoo has been registered for the GI tag."
Recently, Kai Chutney, also known as Red Ant Chutney from Odisha, was recognized with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique taste and texture. This rare delicacy, made with Red Weaver Ants, hails from the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, where this dish has been a quintessential part of their culinary legacy. This delightful chutney was awarded the geographical indication tag on January 2, 2024, for its exceptional health benefits and nutritional values.
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