Thiruvananthapuram: TDB seeks patent on prasadams

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time, the temple ‘prasdams’ are going to have a patent. The Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) has decided to go for securing patent on Ambalapuzha palpayasam, Kottarakara unniyappam and Sabarimala aravana.
The decision comes following the reports that the Amabalapuzha palpayasam is being sold in bakeries after illegally producing it. Obtaining the patent would bar others from naming or selling the 'prasadams' under the same name, said Travancore Devaswom Board president A Padmakumar.
He said this will be the first time that the temple 'prasadams' will be getting patent for their uniqueness. The TDB has decided to obtain the patent rights under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act.
The move is to check the sale of counterfeit versions of the temple 'prasadams' by hawkers. It is learnt that several catering agencies are also making palpayasam and are naming it as Amblapuzha palpayasam.
``We have started taking legal steps against those behind the cheating. Already the law department has been asked to help us with the legal opinion to tackle such case,’’ said the president.
Earlier this month, the TDB had initiated legal measures against a bakery for allegedly preparing and selling milk porridge in sealed containers under the name Ambalapuzha palpayasam. "The real 'prasadam' is prepared at the temple and distributed to the devotees after offering to the deity. But, unfortunately, in many places, bakeries and caterers are preparing the products themselves and selling it claiming to be 'prasadams'," he said.