🥘 What is Dahibara Aloodum?
Dahibara Aloodum is a traditional Odia dish consisting of:
Soft bara (lentil vadas) soaked in thin, mildly spiced yogurt
Served with aloodum (spicy potato curry)
Topped with ghuguni, coriander, onion, roasted jeera, and special masala
Specialty: The version from Cuttack, especially from the Barabati Stadium area, is the most iconic and is the one proposed for the GI tag.
---
🏷️ What is a GI Tag? – Quick Revision for Exams
A Geographical Indication (GI) Tag identifies goods as originating from a specific location, where:
Quality,
Reputation, or
Unique characteristics
are linked directly to that geography.
GI Tag Act in India
Governed by: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999
Effective from: 15 September 2003
Administered by: Geographical Indication Registry, Chennai
Exam relevance: UPSC prelims often asks about GI Tag provisions, features, and examples.
---
🌍 Why Dahibara Aloodum Deserves a GI Tag
1️⃣ Unique Preparation Technique
Bara is fermented and then soaked in thin yogurt water.
Spice blends vary regionally but Cuttack’s masala is distinct.
2️⃣ Historical & Cultural Significance
More than 60–70 years old as a street-food tradition in Cuttack.
Integral to Odia culinary identity.
3️⃣ Local Ingredients & Method
Specific curd fermentation process
Local masalas used by traditional vendors
Distinctive aloodum preparation
4️⃣ Economic Importance
Supports thousands of street vendors in Odisha
GI tag boosts brand recognition
Encourages culinary tourism
---
📌 Importance of the GI Tag for Dahibara Aloodum
✔ Brand Protection
Once GI-tagged, no other region can falsely market their version as “Cuttack Dahibara Aloodum”.
✔ Boosts Local Economy
Helps small vendors, traditional family businesses, and micro-entrepreneurs.
✔ Preserves Cultural Heritage
Safeguards centuries-old recipes and preparation methods.
✔ Enhances Global Recognition
Just like Rasgulla (Odisha), Alphonso Mango, Darjeeling Tea, etc.
---
🏛️ Relevance of Dahibara Aloodum GI Tag in UPSC & Other Exams
📍 1. UPSC Prelims
Possible MCQ topics:
Definition of GI
Legal framework
Examples of GI-tagged foods
Odisha-related GI products
Cultural heritage topics
Example UPSC-Style MCQ
Q. Dahibara Aloodum, recently in news, is associated with:
A) A new agricultural crop variety
B) A traditional street food seeking GI tag
C) A folk dance form
D) A marine product
Correct Answer: B
---
📍 2. UPSC Mains (GS-1, GS-3)
Themes where this topic fits:
Indian culture → cuisine & heritage
Economy → local industries & GI tag impact
IPR → geographical indications
Tourism → culinary tourism
Possible Mains Question
“Discuss the significance of Geographical Indications (GI) in protecting India’s culinary heritage. Use the example of Dahibara Aloodum to explain how GI status can strengthen local economies.”
---
📍 3. State PSC / SSC Exams
Questions may be direct:
Which state filed for Dahibara Aloodum GI tag?
What type of food is it?
Which city is associated with its origin?
---
🚀 SEO Keywords to Rank This Blog (Organically Integrated)
Dahibara Aloodum GI Tag
Odisha traditional food GI tag
Cuttack Dahibara Aloodum history
GI Tag in India explained
Odisha cuisine for UPSC
Trending GI tag news 2025 India
UPSC current affairs GI tag
Dahibara Aloodum UPSC notes
---
📚 Short Notes for UPSC Revision
Dahibara Aloodum – GI Tag: Key Points
Origin: Cuttack, Odisha
Nature: Yogurt-soaked vada + spicy potato curry
Filed for: Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
Importance: Cultural identity, vendor livelihood, tourism
Exam relevance: GI Act 1999, Indian culture, IPR, local economy
---
🏁 Conclusion
Dahibara Aloodum’s journey toward a GI tag is more than a food story — it reflects India’s cultural preservation efforts, regional pride, and economic protection mechanisms. For UPSC and competitive exam aspirants, this trending topic is both current affairs and a static syllabus overlap, making it high-value study material.
No comments:
Post a Comment