Famous Lanjia Saura painting IDITAL from Odisha gets GI tag

Bhubaneswar: The famous Lanjia Saura painting, also widely regarded as IDITAL, from Odisha received a geographical indication (GI) tag from the Centre today. An advertisement has been published in this regard by the Geographical Indications Registry on its official website.

According to the source, the Idai Idital Association and Directorate of Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute (SCSTRTI) had applied for the GI tag (application number 871).

Click on this link for Lanjia Saura painting registration details:

Taking to its Facebook page, ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare Department, Government of Odisha wrote, “The paintings of Lanjia Saura (IDITAL) from Odisha have officially earned Geographical Indication (GI) status. Big congratulations to the Idai Idital Association and the Directorate of SCSTRTI for their dedication to preserving this artistic heritage.

A special acknowledgment to the ST/SC Department as well for its huge role in this accomplishment! These vibrant masterpieces beautifully showcase the artistic richness of Odisha!”

Worth mentioning, the Idital art form belongs to the Lanjia Saura or Lanjia Sabara tribe, one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Rayagada district. These paintings were originally in the form of exterior murals (wall paintings) of the tribal homes. The original pattern was white paintings over a crimson maroon background.