Key Highlights
- GI tags awarded to the traditional Lepcha instruments Tungbuk and Pumtong Pulit on 5 November 2025.
- Recognition formalised at the 1st Tribal Business Conclave in New Delhi.
- NABARD of Gangtok played a pivotal role in documentation and advocacy.
- The move underscores India’s commitment to protecting intangible cultural heritage.
Detailed Insights
The Government of India’s decision to grant Geographical Indication (GI) status to two Lepcha musical instruments marks a significant milestone in safeguarding the region’s folk heritage. Tungbuk is a three‑stringed resonator that functions as a cultural touchstone in Lepcha storytelling and religious rituals, while Pumtong Pulit, a bamboo wind device, echoes the natural rhythms of the surrounding forest. The formal GI certificates were presented during the 1st Tribal Business Conclave, a collaborative initiative by the Ministries of Culture, Tribal Affairs, and Commerce & Industry, underscoring a multi‑agency commitment to tribal livelihoods.
Applications for the GI tags were filed by prominent community members Ugen Palzor Lepcha (Tungbuk) and Namgyal Lepcha (Pumtong Pulit). Their persistent documentation efforts were reinforced by NABARD Gangtok, which provided financial, technical and administrative support over the course of nearly two years, ensuring a smooth registration process. The Lepcha community has openly recognised NABARD’s unwavering backing as crucial for projects that conserve intangible cultural practices.
These instruments fall under the Musical Instruments category of the GI registry, signifying that only produce from the original region—Sikkim—can be marketed under the protected names. This legal protection not only preserves authenticity but also offers economic incentives to local artisans.