Banarasi Shehnai and Tabla Receive GI Tags

Current Context: In April 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded Geographical Indication (GI) certificates to 21 traditional products from Uttar Pradesh, including the Banarasi Shehnai and Banarasi Tabla, recognizing their unique cultural heritage.

About Banarasi Shehnai:

• Instrument Details: A traditional Indian wind instrument, the Shehnai is akin to the oboe and is integral to temple music and auspicious ceremonies, especially weddings. 
• Cultural Significance: The instrument gained global recognition through the legendary Ustad Bismillah Khan, who hailed from Varanasi and was instrumental in popularizing the Shehnai worldwide.

About Banarasi Tabla:

• Gharana: The Banaras tabla gharana was established over 200 years ago by Pandit Ram Sahai and is one of the six principal tabla gharanas in Indian classical music.
• Notable Artists: Padma Vibhushan Pandit Kishan Maharaj, a renowned tabla player, belonged to this gharana, contributing significantly to its prominence.

Significance of GI Tag:

• Protection: The GI tag ensures that only authorized users or those residing in the region can use the name, preserving the authenticity and heritage of these instruments.