Thiruvananthapuram: The Travancore Devaswom Board, Kerala's apex temple body is all set to arrest the growing conterfeit market of its iconic temple prasadams (offerings) by obtaining patents for the same.
For the first time in its history,the TDB, is planning to obtain patent for the unique and sought-after prasadams like Sabarimala's 'aravana', 'Ambalapuzha palpayasam' and 'Kottarakkara unniyappam', offered at the famous shrines managed by it.
A few weeks ago, a major social media revolt had brought to light that a bakery at Kadapra was selling the sacred 'Ambalapuzha palpayasam'. Last year, a Singapore based agri-business giant made a stealthy move to secure for itself the patent of the name 'aravana'.
Obtaining the patent would bar others from naming or selling the prasadams under the same name.
If things go as per plan, 'aravana', the jaggery dessert offered at Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple, 'unniyappam', the sweet ball prepared at Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple and 'palpayasam' and milk porridge at Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna shrine will get patent rights under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act.
All these prasadams are known for its unique taste and preparation.
A top TDB official said the move is to check the sale of counterfeit versions of the temple prasadams by hawkers.
Steps are already on to prepare a report in this regard and start the application procedures, he added.
"Several instances of the sale of fake products under the pretext of famous temple prasadams have come to our notice in recent times. We have taken legal steps against those behind the cheating. In view of that, we have taken the decision to apply to get patent for our unique prasadams offered at the famous temples," TDB president A Padmakumar told PTI.
Earlier this month, the TDB had initiated legal measures against a bakery for allegedly preparing and selling milk porridge in sealed containers under the name 'Ambalapuzha palpayasam'.
"The real prasadam is prepared at the temple and distributed to the devotees after offering to the deity. But, unfortunately, in many places, bakeries and caterers are preparing the products themselves and selling it claiming to be prasadams," he said.
Not just 'Ambalapuzha palpayasam', but several other iconic prasadams also face the same threat in the state, he said.
"I have asked the law officer to study the procedures and formalities to apply for patent. We will discuss the matter at the Board meeting here tomorrow," Padmakumar added.
The TDB manages over 1,200 temples including the Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa temple in the state.
The 'Tirupati laddu' and 'Palani pachamritham', the prasadams offered at the Lord Venkateshwara temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh and Palani Murugan temple in Tamil Nadu respectively, have already been bestowed with the GI tag.
(With inputs from PTI.)
