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Sirarakhong Hathei chilli

Sirarakhong Hathei chilli
SpeciesCapsicum annum
OriginManipur, India
Scoville scale7542 SHU

The Sirarakhong Hathei chilli is a variety of chilli mainly grown in the Indian state of Manipur. It is widely cultivated crop in Sirarakhong village in the Ukhrul district of Manipur.[1][2][3]

In Sirarakhong village, Mizo chilli cultivation serves as the primary source of income and holds deep cultural significance. The villagers revere the chilli, even referencing it in a traditional song as a "red cover" enveloping the hills. This reverence culminates in the annual "Hathei Phanit" (Chilli Festival), celebrated since 2010, where the community comes together to honor the chilli's unique qualities and acknowledge it as a divine gift to their community.[4][5][6]

Name

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It is also known only as Sirarakhong chilli owing to the name of the village or simply as Hathei chilli.[7][8]

Local name

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The word "Ha" means bitter in the local Tangkhul language, and owing to its bitterness, it came to be known as Hathei.[9]

Description

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Renowned for its exceptional qualities, Hathei chilli boasts a distinctive taste, captivating aroma, and vibrant deep color. Characterized by its impressive size and bright-hued colors, it typically measures 8-9 inches in length.[10]

Geographical indication

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It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 14/09/2021 (valid until 17/09/2027).[11]

Manipur Organic Mission (MOMA) from Imphal, proposed the GI registration of Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli. After filing the application in January 2017, the chilli was granted the GI tag in 2021 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Sirarakhong Hathei Chilli" exclusive to the chilies grown in the region. It thus became the first chilli variety from Manipur and the seventh type of goods from Manipur to earn the GI tag.[12]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Hazarika, Myithili (18 September 2021). "'God's gift' Hathei chillis and Tamenglong oranges of Manipur get GI tag". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Hathei chilli and Tamenglong orange of Manipur get GI tag". The Indian Express. 18 September 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Manipur's special oranges, chillis get GI tag". Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  4. ^ "Ukhrul honours hathei chilli with fest". The Telegraph. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  5. ^ "The many shades of red". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  6. ^ "In Manipur, this unique chilli proves to be lifeline for villagers". The Indian Express. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Manipur's Hathei Chilli and Tamenglong Orange get GI Tag". The Times of India. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  8. ^ "Hottest Chillies of Northeast India". www.indiatodayne.in. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  9. ^ "GOVERNMENT OF INDIA GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS JOURNAL NO. 190 JANUARY 19, 2024". Official website of Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  10. ^ "5 Indian chillies famous for their uniqueness and GI tags". The Times of India. 28 January 2024. Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  11. ^ "Geographical Indications Intellectual Property India". Retrieved 27 October 2024.
  12. ^ Hazarika, Myithili (18 September 2021). "'God's gift' Hathei chillis and Tamenglong oranges of Manipur get GI tag". ThePrint. Retrieved 27 October 2024.