Kumbakonam and Authoor betel leaves of Tamil Nadu: Get GI tag!!

Betel leaves in packs thehindu.com

Kumbakonam (famous for countless Hindu temples in and around) betel leaves of Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery Delta region, nurtured in the fertile soil  stand as a testament to tradition and unique terroir a mark of rural landscape. Cultivated across Thiruvaiyaru, Papanasam, and Kumbakonam, Thiruvidaimarudhur,  and Valaigaman blocks of Thanjavur and Tiruvarur. these leaves have earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a recognition of their distinctiveness.  This GI recognition opens up new avenues for marketing the betel leaves.  vetrilai (in local parlance) get its characteristics, which place it apart from other betel leaves, from the Cauvery water and the fertile soils on its banks.

Kumbakonam betel leaves, TN justdial.com/

Their remarkable tenderness, attributed to early harvesting, sets them apart, known locally as "Kozhundhu Vettrilai." In Tamil moves there are popular songs  on Vettrilai. This prized characteristic, along with their heart shape and aromatic profile, makes them integral to Tamil culture.  No Hindu homes in this state and other south Indian  states are without them, a sign of prosperity and social togetherness. 

Beyond their cultural significance in temples, rituals, and weddings, Kumbakonam betel leaves are believed to possess digestive properties. The unique combination of the Cauvery River's water and the region's rich soil contributes to their special qualities. This GI tag not only protects their origin and reputation but also opens avenues for wider recognition. Tamil Nadu now boasts a significant number of GI-tagged products, highlighting the region's rich agricultural and artisanal heritage, with a notable contribution from the Thanjavur district, the cradle of carnatic music and Bharata Nayyam..

Betel leaves, Tamil Nadu.alamy.com

In the world of carnatic music and traditional dance, gurus way in the past, you could hardly see a music teacher or an expert in Natyam (dance) without a betel  leaves box (may be silver or brass, depending on the status), often with chewing (some use chewing tobaccos) and areca nut ingredients. It is inseparable from them just like Karnan's Kundala Kavacham in the  the Mahabharata). When  you see them chewing in a social gathering  stuffing with folded betel leaves  and pakku, they contort cheek in a strange way. The use of Kumbakonam betel leaves give  Carnatic music singers advantages. It is  consumed as a palate cleanser and digestive aid, which could be relevant for singers maintaining vocal health and comfort during performances when the reach the high level -crescendo. 

Carnatic music concert is in progress. thehihu.com

The aromatic qualities might also be considered refreshing. Given the region's strong Carnatic music tradition and the betel leaf's cultural prominence, it's plausible they are part of local customs surrounding musical events and this has has been around for centuries. 

The Authoor betel leaves from the Thoothukudi district have also received GI certification. Exclusively grown in Authoor, benefiting from the Thamirabarani River's waters, these leaves offer a distinctively spicy and pungent flavour. Cultivated across an extensive area spanning approximately 500 acres of land, encompassing regions like Mukkani, Authoor, Korkai, Suganthalai, Vellakoil, and other Mukkani villages, the Authoor betel leaf showcases elongate stalks and is available in three distinct varieties

Utilized in various auspicious events, the Authoor variety comes in three forms: nattukodi, karpoori, and pachaikodi. This recognition allows them to tap into broader markets, both domestically and internationally, further showcasing the diverse betel leaf varieties of Tamil Nadu. 

Betel leaves hold a significant place in Tamil culture, intertwined with various social customs. They are offered in temples and widely used in auspicious religious rituals, from birth ceremonies to 8th birthday, and most notably in weddings.

Both Kumbakonam and Authoor betel leaves underscore the importance of geographical factors in shaping agricultural uniqueness and cultural identity

https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/tamil-nadus-pride-kumbakonam-betel-leaves-and-thovalai-flower-garlands-get-gi-tags-828570

https://agrospectrumindia.com/2023/07/18/tamil-nadus-authoor-betel-leaves-earn-gi-tag.html

https://efy.efymag.com/admin/issuepdf/Betel%20Leaf_April-12.pdf