Famous Prasad of Palani Temple in Tami Nadu Gets GI Tag

The Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple in Palani, Tamil Nadu is renowned for its prasad which is also called Palani panchamirtham. Recently, thanks to the efforts of the temple authorities, the Prasad has been bestowed with the GI tag. Panchamirtham Prasadam The prasad is made of five natural ingredients - banana, cow ghee, cardamom, jaggery and honey – which is why the ‘pancha’, meaning five, comes in the name. ‘Amirtham’ translates to delicacy in Tamil, hence the name Panchamirtham. The ingredients are combined in the prescribed proportions to make the much-loved prasad. The prasadam gets an extra flavour by the dates and sugar candies added to it. The preparation of the prasad is automated with due importance given to quality and hygiene. It is certified by the FSSAI. The GI tag limitation extends to the Palani town as well. Geographical Indication (GI) Tag A geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign given to certain products which have its origin in a specific geographical location (e.g. a town, region, or country). Products with GI tag possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Some examples of products with GI tag include Kancheepuram silk, Kohapuri footwear, Madhubani Paintings, Darjeeling Tea and Tirupati Laddu.   The advantage of the GI tag is that it prevents the misuse of the product. The producer can legally charge anyone not belonging to the GI region trying to use their GI tag and save his reputation from being damaged.