ThePuneri Pagadi is a distinctive style ofturban, which is considered as a symbol of pride and honor in the city ofPune.[1] It was introduced two centuries ago.[2] Though it is a symbol of honour, the use of thepagadi has changed over the years and now it is also used on traditional days in colleges.[3] To preserve the identity of thepagadi, there were demands from the locals to grant it aGeographical Indication (GI) status.[3] Their demand was fulfilled and thepagadi became anintellectual property on 4 September 2009.[1][3][4][5][6]
ThePuneri-style pagadi was introduced in the 19th century byMahadev Govind Ranade, a social reformer. Later, it was worn by many leaders likeLokmanya Tilak, J.S. Karandikar, D.D. Sathye, Dr. Vitthalrao Gade,Tatyasaheb Kelkar andDatto Vaman Potdar.[2] Thepagadi became more popular in 1973 after theMarathi play,Ghashiram Kotwal.[3]
Thepagadi is used mostly on special occasions like wedding ceremonies and traditional days in schools and colleges. Youngsters wear it while performing thegondhal art form. Thepagadi, being a symbol of honour, is also used as asouvenir. It also finds usage inperiod films andtheatres.[3]
The 10-memberedShree Puneri Pagadi Sangh had applied before theGeographical Indication Registry to get aGeographical Indication (GI) tag for thepagadi.[3] Great Mission Group Consultancy, which promotesintellectual property rights filed the application on behalf of them.[2] The aim was to make thepagadi recognizable, preserve its identity and also that of thePuneri culture. Consequently, on 4 September 2009, the Geographical Indication status was given to theheadgear and thepagadi became the official cultural identity ofPune.[1][3][4][5][6] Thus, thepagadi got the Intellectual Property Right (IPR) and selling of any turban made outside Pune, under the name ofPuneri pagadi became illegal. Along with thePuneri pagadi, IPR has been previously issued to Indian products likeDarjeeling tea,Banarasi saris, Tirupati ladoos, among others.[4]