The unique articles, Loiya (a kind of woolen shawl) and Dangra (dagger) that are part of Sirmaur’s tribal culture would soon get Geographical Indication (GI) tag to give traditional culture of Trans Giri area a new identity.

The district administration has approached the state Industry department to patent these unique articles and the issue has also been brought to the notice of HP Council for Science Technology and Environment (HIMCOSTE).

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HIMCOSTE is the nodal agency for filing patents in Himachal Pradesh and it has been urged to take up the issue with Registrar, Geographical Indication (GI), Chennai for granting GI tag for these articles.

For granting GI tag for any product, it is mandatory that these products are produced or processed in the concerned area and these two articles fulfill the criteria.

The Loiya and Dangra are inseparable part of tribal culture of Trans Giri of Sirmaur district and the administration is providing information on the same to these agencies, Deputy Commissioner Lalit Jain said.

Jain said Loiya is traditional dress of Trans Giri area and the locals generally wear the dress during winters to protect them from biting cold.

The tribals make this dress out of goats and sheep’s wool and it is handmade fabric, prepared by the tribal women.

Earlier, it was handmade but now in some areas, machines too are used for preparing Loiya.

On the other hand, Dangra, a kind of dagger, associated with local deity Lord Parshuram, was earlier used for self-protection during wars as well as cutting fodder for animals.

Lord Parshuram used to wield dagger, same as Dangra and the locals of Trans Giri area wield it while participating traditional dance form, Thoda, he said.

On one hand, the Loiya signifies the simplicity of tribals while Dangra is considered to symbol for eliminating evil spirits.

The administration is vying for GI tag for Loiya and Dangra on the lines of Kangra miniature painting, Chamba Rumal, Darjeeling Tea, Tirupati sweets and Kashmir’s Pashmina shawls to provide these articles a new identity at international level.