It's a moment of pride for the artists of Dindori district as their famed Gond paintings have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This ancient and exquisite art form, native to Madhya Pradesh, has captivated the world with its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and compelling stories. With the GI tag, Gond painting is now recognized as a product of unique origin and exceptional quality, increasing its commercial value and giving a boost to the local economy. 

A geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign applied to goods with a particular geographic origin and having certain qualities that are attributed to that origin. Bhajju Shyam, a renowned Gond artist and recipient of the Padma Shri award, expressed his pride in the recognition of the art form. He said, "With this, the people of tribal and Gond dominant communities will now get direct benefit."

Gond paintings depict nature, trees, plants, animals, celestial bodies, rivers, and gods and goddesses, along with stories of historical events and everyday life. Each painting tells a unique story and is a masterpiece in itself.

The main source of Gond painting is the Dindori district, where it has been prevalent for generations. The GI tag affirms that the art form originated from this district, and only registered authorized users can use its name. The district administration is planning to promote Gond paintings through a range of products such as greeting cards, mobile covers, and bag covers to cater to the market's demand.

The collector of Dindori district, Vikas Mishra, emphasized that Gond painting is not just a medium of employment but also an identity and a symbol for the region. The district administration plans to promote the art form by making Amarkantak the center of attraction and roping in big hotels in Jabalpur.

The Patangarh village in Dindori district has a Gond artist in every house and they have been practicing the art for generations. The recognition of Gond paintings with the GI tag will further enhance their popularity and create opportunities for the artists to showcase their talent globally.