Woraiyur Cotton Sari Awarded GI Tag; Tamil Nadu’s Count Rises to 74

The famed Woraiyur cotton sari of Tiruchi has been granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai. The approval comes three years after the Woraiyur Devanga Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Society submitted its application.

● Five Tamil Nadu Products Receive GI Tag

Alongside the Woraiyur sari, four other traditional products from Tamil Nadu were also granted GI status:

• Kavindapadi nattu sakkarai (jaggery powder)
• Namakkal makkal pathirangal (soapstone cookware)
• Thooyamalli rice (traditional variety)
• Ambasamudram choppu saman (wooden toys)
  With these additions, Tamil Nadu now has 74 GI-tagged products.

● Production Clusters and Loom Activity

The Woraiyur sari is produced in Woraiyur, Kottathur, Paithamparai, and nearby handloom clusters.

• Out of 100 looms, 86 are currently active.
• The saris typically measure 5.5 metres in length.

● A Composite Product in the Modern Era

In its contemporary form, the Woraiyur cotton sari is a composite product:

• Yarn is sourced through the National Handloom Development Corporation, Coimbatore.
• Dyeing is done in Jayamkondan.
• Weaving takes place in Manamedu.
  This multi-location process supports a network of traditional artisans.

● Rich Historical Legacy

The weave has deep cultural roots. Silapathikaram, the Tamil epic by Ilango Adigal, mentions the fineness of Woraiyur’s cotton garments in Song 66 (Pukar Kaandam), highlighting its longstanding heritage.

Source: TH