Here are nine exceptional Indian sweets that have earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, preserving their unique regional heritage:

1. Silao Khaja (Bihar) — A flaky, multilayered pastry with roots tracing back to 320 BCE, awarded GI status in 2018. 

2. Mihidana (West Bengal) — A “micro boondi” made from rice flour and saffron by the Nag family; GI-tagged in 2017.

3. Dharwad Peda (Karnataka) — A caramelized, grainy milk sweet created by the Thakur family, with a 175-year legacy; GI number 80.

4. Bebinca (Goa) — A layered Goan pudding made with coconut milk, flour, eggs, and nutmeg; recently GI-tagged in 2023. 

5. Srivilliputtur Palkova (Tamil Nadu) — A creamy milk-based sweet with smoky flavor, created in 1921 as temple prasadam; GI-tagged in 2019.

6. Goan Khaje (Goa) — Known locally as kadyo bodyo; a jaggery-flavored fried treat celebrated in festive ceremonies; GI-tagged in 2020.

7. Odisha Rasagola — A distinct, less-chewy version of rasgulla with roots at the 12th-century Jagannath Temple; GI-tagged in 2019.

8. Joynagar Moa (West Bengal) — A winter seasonal bite combining nolen gur and aromatic kanakchur rice; GI-tagged in 2015.

9. Kovilpatti Kadalai Mittai (Tamil Nadu) — A traditional peanut sweet made with locally sourced ingredients and Thamirabarani River water; GI-tagged in 2021.

These mithai are far more than confections—they are living threads of India’s culinary and cultural tapestry, each one rooted in local tradition, flavor, and history.