Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi Besan Ladoo Secures GI Tag Ahead Of Temple Consecration

The GI tag not only acknowledges the ladoos' roots but also supports the cultural heritage and economic interests of local producers.

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As Ayodhya readies for the forthcoming consecration of the Ram temple, the famed besan ladoos from Hanuman Garhi have secured a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This recognition aims to protect the unique identity of these ladoos, signifying their origin from Ayodhya and preserving the distinct qualities associated with the region. The GI tag not only acknowledges the ladoos' roots but also supports the cultural heritage and economic interests of local producers.

The individual responsible for crafting Hanuman Garhi Ladoos commended the government's move. Speaking to the news agency ANI, they stated, "This development brings joy to Ayodhya's residents and the Modak Samaj. The registration, alongside the Ram Mandir inauguration, is significant. We appreciate the government's effort in this direction."

Ayodhya's prominence is amplified by the presence of the revered Bajrangbali Hanuman Garhi temple. Tradition dictates that before witnessing Lord Ram, seekers must first seek blessings from Lord Hanuman, considered Ayodhya's guardian. The ladoos, celebrated for generations, hold a special place among devotees. The ladoo maker highlighted their popularity, noting variations in preparation methods while emphasising their widespread appeal.

A giant bell weighing 2,400 kg was transported from Jalesar town in Etah district on Wednesday, just days before the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The bell, which cost Rs 25 lakh to make, began its journey by train on Tuesday, according to IANS news agency. The bell was created by 30 workers and is made of eight metals known as 'ashtadhatu': gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, tin, iron, and mercury. This is one of the country's largest bells.

Aditya Mittal, a metal industry businessman, told IANS that his late brother, Vikas Mittal, former chair of Jalesar Nagar Panchayat, expressed a desire to donate the bell to the temple before passing away in 2022 from a cardiac arrest. Aditya and his brother Prashant Mittal donated the bell in memory of Vikas.

The bell, which stands six feet tall and five feet wide, is intended to resonate within a two-kilometer radius. Prashant Mittal described the intricate manufacturing process, emphasising the difficulty of producing the bell as a single piece. The intricate procedure included meticulous shaping and measurements, making wooden templates for the mould, metal preparation, tuning, grinding, and fitting the clapper.