Yu Wine: Sustaining Tradition and Empowering Communities in Manipur

Yu wine, a traditional alcoholic beverage of Manipur, India, is a cornerstone of the Meitei community's cultural, historical, and economic fabric. This paper explores the ancient origins of Yu wine, tracing its use in rituals, traditional medicine, and social gatherings, while highlighting its production techniques rooted in traditional knowledge. The study examines the beverage's cultural significance as a symbol of ethnic identity and its economic role in supporting livelihoods, particularly among women and rural households. Additionally, it addresses the legal frameworks surrounding Yu wine, including challenges in registering it under the Geographical Indication of Goods Act, 1999, and potential benefits of trademark and GI protection under international agreements like TRIPS and the Lisbon Agreement. The paper also discusses the medicinal properties of Yu wine, its environmental and socio-economic impacts, and the need for sustainable practices and legal reforms to preserve its heritage and enhance its global marketability. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern advancements, Yu wine holds significant potential for cultural preservation and economic development in Manipur.