Hindutashravi at 10:33, 18 November 2025

2025-11-18T10:33:52Z

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{{Short description|Type of Betel leaf variety from Uttar Pradesh, India}}
{{AI-generated|date=October 2025}}
{{Infobox geographical indication
| name = Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf) - बनारसी पान<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tiwary |first1=Vikash Kumar |last2=Paisa |first2=India TV |title='पान बनारस वाला' को मिला जीआई टैग, जानिए इस उपलब्धि के क्या हैं मायने? - India TV Hindi |url=https://www.indiatv.in/paisa/business/banaras-paan-gi-tag-get-today-it-gives-special-geographical-criteria-2023-04-04-948550 |work=India TV Paisa |date=4 April 2023 |language=hi}}</ref>
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| alternative names = Desi Paan
| description = Betel leaf (Piper betle) variety cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, India
| type = Betel leaf
| area = Varanasi, Jaunpur, Chandauli, Ballia, Ghazipur, Azamgarh, Mirzapur and Sonbhadra districts
| country = [[India]]
| registered = 31 March 2023
| material =
| official website ={{URL|https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GirPublic/Application/Details/467|ipindia.gov.in}}}}

'''Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf)''' is an important traditional crop variety of [[Betel leaf]] (Piper betle) cultivated in the [[State of India|Indian state]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Sweet Pride of Varanasi: Banarasi Paan, Langda Aam, Two Other Products Get GI Tag |url=https://www.news18.com/india/sweet-pride-of-varanasi-banarasi-paan-langda-aam-two-other-products-get-gi-tag-recognition-7461901.html |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=News18 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Banarasi Paan, Langda mango, Ramnagar Bhanta and Chandausi's adamchini chawal (rice) gets and GI tag in varanasi |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/banarasi-paan-langda-mango-ramnagar-bhanta-and-chandausis-adamchini-chawal-rice-gets-and-gi-tag-in-varanasi/videoshow/99297042.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=The Economic Times |date=6 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref> It is mainly cultivated in the [[Varanasi district | Varanasi]], [[Jaunpur district | Jaunpur]], [[Chandauli district | Chandauli]], [[Ballia district | Ballia]], [[Ghazipur district | Ghazipur]], [[Azamgarh district | Azamgarh]], [[Mirzapur district | Mirzapur]], and [[Sonbhadra district | Sonbhadra]] districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Under its [[Geographical Indications in India|Geographical Indication]] tag, it is referred to as "'Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf)".<ref>{{cite news |title=Banarasi Paan, Langda Mango and other Varanasi-UP-based goods receive GI tag |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/trending/banarasi-paan-langda-mango-and-other-varanasi-up-based-goods-receive-gi-tag-29732-05-04-2023 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=www.businesstoday.in |date=5 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

==Name==
It is named after its place of origin, the region of Banaras (also known as Varanasi), located in [[Purvanchal]] region of Uttar Pradesh. The word "Paan" originates from the [[Sanskrit]] term "Parna," meaning leaf. With its roots in ancient India, Paan was consumed not only for its medicinal properties but also for its symbolic auspicious significance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paan-tastic |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/features/paan-tastic-2645456#:~:text=Paan%2C%20which%20is%20derived%20from,A%20modern%20twist |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> Locally, the Banaras Pan is also known as "Desi Pan".

==Description==
The Banaras Pan leaf is a [[Dioecy|dioeciously]] perennial root climber that thrives in warm and humid climates.<ref>{{cite web |title=Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf) |url=https://www.nabard.org/gi/GIProductDetails.aspx?Id=23#:~:text=Paan%20is%20regarded%20as%20auspicious,melt%20in%20the%20mouth%20soft. |website=National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development |access-date=19 January 2025}}</ref> It has simple, alternate, ovate, cordate, acuminate or acute, entire, and bright green leaves. The Piper Betel vine, on the other hand, is a tropical shade-loving perennial evergreen vine that can grow up to 6-10 feet in Varanasi conditions.<ref>{{cite web |title=G.I. APPLICATION NUMBER – 730 |url=https://www.upkrishivipran.in/GI/images/BanarasPanBetelLeaf/BanarasPanBetelLeaf.pdf |website=LOGOकृषि विपणन एवं कृषि विदेश व्यापार निदेशालय, उ. प्र. Directorate of Agricultural Marketing and Agriculture Foreign Trade, U.P. |access-date=20 January 2025}}</ref> Its leaves are yellowish green to dark green with a glossy upper surface and have a characteristic and pleasant odour.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Ambrose |first1=Dawn C. P. |last2=Manickavasagan |first2=Annamalai |last3=Naik |first3=Ravindra |title=Leafy Medicinal Herbs: Botany, Chemistry, Postharvest Technology and Uses |date=25 July 2016 |publisher=CABI |isbn=978-1-78064-559-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wwLpDAAAQBAJ&dq=yellowish+green+to+dark+green+betel+leaf&pg=PA65 |access-date=20 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

Banaras Pan is renowned for its high-quality leaves, which are rich in tannins and have a distinctive taste ranging from sweet to pungent due to the presence of essential oils.<ref>{{cite web |title=Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of selected varieties of Piper betle L. (Betel leaf) |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328396705 |website=ResearchGate GmbH |access-date=19 January 2025}}</ref> The Pan growers in the region bundle 200 leaves together, known as a Dholi.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Crooke |first1=William |title=Materials for a Rural and Agricultural Glossary of the Northwestern Provinces and Oudh |date=1879 |publisher=North-western provinces and Oudh government Press |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1zJCAQAAMAAJ&dq=bundle+200+leaves+together%2C+known+as+a+Dholi.&pg=PA79 |access-date=20 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref> Varanasi is a major center for the trade and commerce of Pan leaves, with the Pan Mandi (Pan-Dariba) being a key marketplace. The primary customers are those who prepare paan, mainly large-scale "Paanwari" from Varanasi and surrounding districts, including [[Bhadohi district|Bhadohi]], Ghazipur, Jaunpur, [[Prayagraj district|Prayagraj]], Chandauli, and Mirzapur.<ref>{{cite book |title=Uttar Pradesh District Gazetteers: Varanasi |date=1965 |publisher=Government of Uttar Pradesh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dg9uAAAAMAAJ&q=pan+dariba+benaras |access-date=20 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref> The Pan Dariba in Varanasi is an important hub for marketing Pan leaves from the surrounding regions.<ref>{{cite news |title=People consume 'Banarasi paan' worth more than Rs 1 crore every day |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/english/bharat/people-consume-banarasi-paan-worth-more-than-rs-1-crore-every-day/na20230317205426829829557 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=ETV Bharat News |date=17 March 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Jaglan |first1=Mahabir S. |title=Reflections on 21st Century Human Habitats in India: Felicitation Volume in Honour of Professor M. H. Qureshi |date=31 July 2021 |publisher=Springer Nature |isbn=978-981-16-3100-9 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vRI7EAAAQBAJ&dq=pan+dariba+benaras&pg=PA257 |access-date=20 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Service |first1=Express News |title=Delhi: Hidden Treasures in the alleyways of Shahjahanabad, Dariba Kalan |date=21 July 2023 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2023/Jul/21/delhi-hidden-treasures-in-thealleyways-of-shahjahanabad-dariba-kalan-2597055.html |access-date=20 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

Betel leaf along with betel nut serve a multitude of purposes, encompassing culinary, medicinal, social, and spiritual uses.<ref>{{cite web |title=Betel leaf and betel nut in folklore on cultivation |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292483752 |website=ResearchGate GmbH |access-date=19 January 2025}}</ref>

==Religious Significance==
In [[Indian culture]], betel leaves and betel nuts hold significant importance in [[Puja (Hinduism)|Puja]] rituals. These items are offered to deities at the commencement of every puja ceremony. According to Hindu mythology, the betel plant is considered extremely auspicious, believed to have originated from the divine elixir produced during the churning of the ocean ([[Samudra Manthana]]). In Hindu worship, betel leaves are placed in the Pooja [[Kalasha]], a sacred vessel used for rituals. After the completion of worship, the water from the Kalasha is considered sacred and is consumed as "[[Amrita|Charnamrit]]", a symbol of divine blessings.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Anand |first1=Dr Amrendra Kumar |title=CEREMONIAL AND RITUAL PLANTS OF INDIA: The Shubh-Labh Connections Between Spirituality And Science |date=15 March 2024 |publisher=Blue Rose Publishers |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xyv7EAAAQBAJ&dq=betel+leaves+and+betel+nuts+Puja+rituals&pg=PA55 |access-date=20 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, betel leaves play a vital role in Indian weddings, particularly during the '[[Kanyadana]]' ritual.<ref>{{cite web |title=The story behind the tradition of using Paan leaves in foods and rituals |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/food-news/the-story-behind-the-tradition-of-using-paan-leaves-in-foods-and-rituals/photostory/90746906.cms |website=The Times of India |access-date=19 January 2025 |date=9 April 2022}}</ref>

==Paan (Betel Quid)==
Also known famously as only "Paan" ([[Betel nut chewing|Betel Quid]]) - is a traditional Indian after-dinner treat that consists of a betel leaf filled with various ingredients. The filling typically includes chopped [[betel nut]], [[slaked lime]] (chuna) and red [[Catechu|katha]] paste made from the khair tree (Acacia catechu). Assorted other ingredients may also be added.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gopalkrishnan |first1=G. Shankar |title=The paan-India habit |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/the-paan-india-habit/article34515253.ece |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=The Hindu |date=8 May 2021 |language=en-IN}}</ref> Paan is served folded into a triangle or rolled and is chewed before being spat out or swallowed. With its origins dating back to ancient times, paan is a timeless tradition that originated in India.<ref>{{cite web |title=Paan |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/paan |website=Britannica |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. |access-date=19 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jishnu |first1=Latha |title=The bizarre demand for a Banarasi paan GI |url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/agriculture/the-bizarre-demand-for-a-banarasi-paan-gi-80311 |website=Down To Earth |access-date=19 January 2025 |language=en |date=22 November 2021}}</ref>

"Khayike Paan Banaras Wala" is a classic song featuring [[Amitabh Bachchan]] from the 1978 film "[[Don (1978 film)|Don]]".<ref>{{cite news |title=To celebrate the Benarasi Paan's new GI tag, visit these four Kolkata shops now |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/food/kalpataru-bhandar-shivshankar-banarasi-paan-bhandar-taj-mahal-paan-shop-laxman-paan-shop-visit-these-kolkata-shops-to-celebrate-the-benarasi-paans-new-gi-tag/cid/1929935 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> The song's lyrics indeed reference the famous Banaras Paan, highlighting its popularity and cultural significance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Banarasi Paan Finally Wins! It Is Awarded With Special GI Tag |url=https://food.ndtv.com/news/banarasi-paan-finally-wins-it-is-awarded-with-special-gi-tag-3922986 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=NDTV Food |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=DUBEY |first1=KRISHNA GOPAL |title=THE INDIAN CUISINE |date=27 September 2010 |publisher=PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. |isbn=978-81-203-4170-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U4woRbF8irsC&dq=banarasi+paan+yellowish+green+to+dark+green&pg=PA48 |access-date=19 January 2025 |language=en}}</ref>

==Geographical indication==
It was awarded the [[List of geographical indications in India|Geographical Indication]] (GI) status tag from the [[Geographical Indication Registry (India)|Geographical Indications Registry]], under the [[Government of India|Union Government of India]], on 31 March 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf) |url=https://search.ipindia.gov.in/GIRPublic/Application/Details/467 |website=Intellectual Property India |access-date=19 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Banarasi Langda mango, Banarasi paan are latest entrants to GI tag club |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/industry/agriculture/story/banarasi-langda-mango-banarasi-paan-are-latest-entrants-to-gi-tag-club-375981-2023-04-04 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Business Today |date=4 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

Department of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Namami Gange Farmer Producer Company Limited from [[Varanasi]], proposed the GI registration of 'Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf)'. After filing the application in December 2020, the Betel leaf was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in [[Chennai]], making the name "Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf)" exclusive to the Betel leaf cultivated in the region.<ref>{{cite news |title=PM promoting Varanasi GI products augurs well for the region: Expert |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/pm-promoting-varanasi-gi-products-augurs-well-for-the-region-expert-101658941293759.html |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 July 2022 |language=en-us}}</ref> It thus became the first Betel leaf variety from Uttar Pradesh and the 47th type of goods from Uttar Pradesh to earn the GI tag.<ref>{{cite news |title=Banarasi Paan and langda mango, among others, receive GI tag |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/banarasi-paan-and-langda-mango-among-others-receive-gi-tag-10359511.html |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Moneycontrol}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=From Banarasi Paan to Langda Mango These 10 Products From UP Get GI Tag {{!}} FULL LIST |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/from-banarasi-paan-to-langda-mango-these-10-products-from-up-get-gi-tag-full-list-article-99240947 |access-date=19 January 2025 |work=Times Now |date=4 April 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

The GI tag protects the Banaras Pan (Betel Leaf) from illegal selling and marketing, and gives it legal protection and a unique identity.

==See also==
* [[Banaras Lal Bharwamirch (Red Pickle chilli)]]
* [[Ramnagar Bhanta (Brinjal)]]
* [[Magahi Paan]]
* [[Tirur Betel Leaf]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Indian cuisine]]
[[Category:Uttar Pradeshi cuisine]]
[[Category:Economy of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:GI Tagged Betel leaf varieties of India]]
[[Category:Agriculture in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Geographical indications in Uttar Pradesh]]

Banaras Pan - Revision history

Hindutashravi at 10:33, 18 November 2025