OT Staff
The Kancheepuram silk is a coveted GI-tagged product from the state. Often hailed as the "Queen of Silks," this type of silk comes from the town of Kancheepuram, located around 70 kilometres from Chennai. Kancheepuram silk is distinguishable by its beautiful colours, intricate designs, and rich textures, which make it sought after for weddings, religious ceremonies, and festivals.
Originating from the town of Manapparai in the Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu, the crunchy Murukku is a favourite tea-time accompaniment. The dough is made from a mix of rice flour, urad dal (black gram), cumin, sesame, and other spices and is then shaped into small spiral or circular pieces and deep-fried to a golden crisp.
Madurai is famed for a special variety of jasmine flowers called Madurai Malli, which are revered for their alluring fragrance and beauty. The Madurai Malli can be singled out by its strong fragrance and thicker petals that retain more moisture than other varieties and can stay fresh and dewey for up to two days.
The traditional basket-weaving craft from the Chettinad region is another one of Tamil Nadu's GI-tagged treasures. The beautifully handwoven baskets are made from palm leaves and are used for many different purposes. The craft of Kottan weaving is a time-honoured tradition in the Chettinad region and requires precision and skill.