Ryndia: Meghalaya’s Soulful Silk Gets GI Tag. Here’s All You Need to Know About This Fabric

In Shillong, the heartbeat of Meghalaya’s creative pulse, Ryndia has long been a canvas for expression

In the misty hills of Meghalaya, where culture is woven into everyday life, Ryndia ’s soulful silk, a handspun, handwoven, and organically dyed fabric has been awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

More than just a textile, Ryndia is a living legacy, a fabric that carries the spirit of a people, the rhythm of tradition, and the quiet strength of generations of women weavers. With every thread, it tells a story of identity, sustainability, and pride.

This recognition is a tribute to their artistry, a nod to the centuries-old traditions that have thrived in the hills of Meghalaya.

The journey to this award was one of relentless dedication. Spearheaded by the Department of Textiles, Government of Meghalaya, and supported by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and the technical expertise of Dr. Rajnikanth, the GI application process spanned over 4 years.

Momentum surged after Umden-Diwon was declared the state’s first Eri Silk Village on February 12, 2021.

Spearheading this effort was Frederick Roy Kharkongor, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Department of Textiles, who, along with a dedicated team of officials, Ryndia artisans, and the Meghalaya Ryndia Producers Association, made an emphatic final push at the Consultative GI Group meeting in Kolkata on November 20, 2024. Their commitment ensured that Meghalaya’s place on the global textile map was not just acknowledged but celebrated.

“This is a proud moment for our state and our artisans,” said Kharkongor, reflecting on the historic achievement.

“Ryndia is handspun, handwoven, naturally dyed, eco-friendly and entirely produced within Meghalaya. It is not just a fabric, but a reflection of our cultural heritage,” he added.

This landmark recognition aligns with the vision of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Textiles Minister Paul Lyngdoh, whose leadership has championed the Brand Meghalaya movement, an initiative aimed at propelling the state’s traditional crafts onto the global stage. Their commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous heritage has created fertile ground for Ryndia to flourish as a symbol of sustainable fashion and cultural pride.

At the creative heart of Shillong, Ryndia has also found its way into the contemporary fashion world, thanks to trailblazing designer Daniel Syiem. Since launching the Daniel Syiem Ethnic Fashion House in 2011 with co-founder Janessaline Pyngrope, he has transformed Ryndia from a humble handloom fabric into a statement of timeless, sustainable couture.

In Shillong, the heartbeat of Meghalaya’s creative pulse, Ryndia has long been a canvas for expression. The city, where tradition and modernity intertwine effortlessly, has become the cradle of a new fashion revolution. At the forefront of this transformation is Daniel Syiem, a visionary designer who has taken Ryndia from the looms of Meghalaya to the global runway. Since founding the Daniel Syiem Ethnic Fashion House in 2011, he, alongside Janessaline Pyngrope, has redefined sustainable couture, ensuring that every drape of Ryndia carries not just elegance but a deep cultural legacy.

“This is a proud moment for the entire weaving community and the state. I congratulate the Meghalaya government especially Frederick Roy Kharkongor for taking Ryndia’s story across India and beyond,” Syiem said.

Derived from the Niang Ryndia (Eri Silkworm), the fabric embodies harmony with nature dyed with organic colours, handwoven with care, and designed with an ethos of sustainability. Syiem’s minimalist yet evocative creations have already captivated the fashion world, bringing Meghalaya’s weaves into the spotlight.

Now, with the GI tag fortifying Ryndia’s authenticity, he is exploring further delving into the traditional textiles of the Garo and Jaintia tribes, ensuring that every weave tells a story, every stitch echoes the past, and every garment carries the essence of Meghalaya’s heritage.

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