Kozhikode: After years of repeated requests, the government authorities have finally sought Geographical Indication (GI) for Kerala's legendary Beypore Uru, a traditional dhow made of pure wood and coir. 

On December 8, Kozhikode Tourism Promotion Council filed the application with the GI registry and cited Urus as a "symbol of Kerala's trade and friendship with gulf nations."

The 'Uru' echoes the culture of history of the Northern parts of Kerala, especially Kozhikode. The boat made in Beypore has been in demand for over 1500 years, especially with Arab traders among the first major patrons of these vessels. 

Khalasis, the traditional artisans in the region, are tasked with constructing Urus. It takes at least four years and the help of over 40 Khalasis to ready an Uru to sail. The wood used in these boats is brought from Nilambur Forest. Despite the advent of modern technologies, the artisans in Beypore continue to prefer traditional boat-making techniques. 

For centuries, the boats constructed here had suitors from abroad. Beypore is now a major travel destination for tourists arriving in the Malabar region of Kerala. Recently, the traditional wooden dhow from Beypore represented Kerala in the Qatar World Cup.