Collection: Nistari Silk Yarn

Nistari Silk Yarn represents the traditional mulberry silk sericulture and reeling practices of Malda district in West Bengal, a region historically recognised as one of the important silk producing centres of eastern India. The silk tradition developed alongside Bengal’s historic silk industry, particularly during the Mughal period when nearby trade centres such as Kasimbazar and Murshidabad became prominent hubs for silk weaving and international trade.

The yarn is produced from mulberry silk (Bombyx mori), one of the finest and most widely used silk varieties in the world. The process begins with sericulture, where mulberry plants are cultivated and their leaves are used to feed silkworms. In Bengal, sericulture is typically practiced during several cycles through the year, with major rearing seasons occurring between March–April, June–July, and September–October, depending on climatic conditions and mulberry leaf availability.

Once the silkworms spin their cocoons, the cocoons are harvested and subjected to controlled boiling or steaming, which softens the natural sericin binding the silk filaments. The silk filaments are then carefully reeled from multiple cocoons simultaneously to form continuous threads, a process requiring precise control of temperature, water quality and filament tension. The extremely fine filaments are subsequently combined and twisted to produce strong and uniform silk yarn, valued for its smooth texture, natural lustre and tensile strength.

The silk yarn production has been closely linked with the weaving traditions of Bengal, supplying raw silk to nearby weaving centres in the state and outside.

GI Location: Malda District, West Bengal, India
GI Registration Year: 2022
GI Source: Geographical Indications Registry, Intellectual Property India, Government of India