Odisha’s Unique Products Receive GI Recognition
Source: From red ant chutney to black rice, the 7 Odisha products that have bagged GI tags (The Indian Express, January 7, 2024)
- Origin Tags Explained: Products get a Geographical Indication (GI) tag based on their unique origin. This tag signifies quality and a specific origin.
- India’s GI Awards: In India, the commerce ministry awards GIs. Products are not owned by a trader but by a region.
- GI Registration and Use: Registered products come with a GI logo. Traders must apply to use it. Each gets a unique number.
- Protection for Local Producers: GI tags stop fake goods and help local producers. Consumers can identify certified goods.
- Odisha’s GI Tagged Goods: Seven unique items from Odisha have the GI tag, assuring their authenticity and origin.
Kapdaganda Shawl: A Symbol of the Dongria Kondh Tribe
- Origin of the Shawl: The Kapdaganda shawl is crafted by the women of the Dongria Kondh tribe. This tribe, highly vulnerable, resides in Odisha’s Niyamgiri hills. They create these shawls as a representation of their deep-rooted tribal culture.
- Significance of Colours: The shawl is distinctive with its off-white base and vivid thread colours. Each colour used in the shawl has a special meaning. The green threads represent the mountains, while yellow signifies peace and happiness. The colour red symbolises the essence of life – blood.
- Motifs and Meaning: Simple lines and triangles decorate the Kapdaganda shawl. These shapes echo the tribe’s reverence for their mountainous homeland. The shawl is not only a garment but also a cherished gift. Both men and women wear it, and it is often given to signify love and care among the Dongrias.
Lanjia Saura Painting: Simplicity in Murals
- The Essence of Idital: Lanjia Saura paintings capture a rich tribal legacy. Known as Idital, these artworks are simple yet profound. They reflect the community’s beliefs and culture.
- The Origin and Habitat: The Lanjia Saura tribe, members of a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), create these paintings. They live mostly in Rayagada district. Their homes feature murals on mud walls. A striking contrast is seen as white figures dance over a deep maroon backdrop.
- Cultural Significance: The tribe paints Idital murals for sacred reasons. It is their way of thanking gods and ancestors. They believe these paintings bring well-being to their community.
- Depictions of Harmony with Nature: Nature is central to Lanjia Saura art. Images of humans, wildlife, and celestial bodies are common. They celebrate the tribe’s connection with nature.
Koraput’s Unique Black Rice
Koraput’s black rice, known as the ‘Prince of Rice,’ stands out for its unique color, aroma, and taste. It’s highly nutritious and has been grown by tribal farmers for over a millennium.
- Nutritional Benefits: Kala Jeera rice is packed with nutrients. It boosts haemoglobin and metabolism. Locals have valued it for its health benefits for generations.
- Traditional Farming Practices: Local farmers carefully preserve traditional methods for growing Kala Jeera rice. These practices are passed down through the ages.
- Cultural Significance: There are old stories about how this special rice promotes overall well-being. People believe it nourishes the body, mind, and spirit.
Kai Chutney: A Tribal Heritage of Odisha
Kai chutney is a unique dish from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district. It’s made from red weaver ants. These ants live in the Similipal forests. The forests are well-known in Asia.
- Nutritional Significance: The chutney is nutritious. It contains proteins, calcium, and vitamins. People believe it boosts health.
- Traditional Preparation: Locals use a stone grinder to make the chutney. They sell it for income. It’s said to improve immunity and prevent sickness.
Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal
- Unique Features: The Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal stands out for its thorny stem and plant. It bears green, round fruit with an abundance of seeds. Its taste is distinctive, and it cooks rapidly.
- Resistance and Cultivation: Farmers value the plant for its insect resistance, allowing for low-pesticide farming practices. Its cultivation is prevalent in the Nayagarh district.
- Yield and Market: The brinjal yields up to 200 quintals per hectare. It is sold for about Rs 60 per kg, providing substantial income for local farmers.
- Origin: The variety dates back roughly a century. Locals initially obtained the brinjal from the hills and have been cultivating it ever since.
Odisha Khajuri Guda
Originating from the Gajapati district of Odisha, “Khajuri Guda” refers to a distinctive type of jaggery made from the sap of date palm trees. It’s traditionally moulded into a trapezoidal shape known as ‘Patali Gur’ and is celebrated for its organic and all-natural qualities. Its dark brown colour is matched by its exceptional flavour, setting it apart from other sweeteners.
Dhenkanal Magji: A Traditional Sweet Treat
- Origins and Production: Dhenkanal Magji is a traditional sweet that uses buffalo milk cheese. It stands out because of its shape, size, and nutritional content. Its distinct taste and appearance make it different from other sweets.
- Historical Significance: In the past, many people in the area depended on buffalo rearing for their income. During the British period, the region was known for its buffalo milk. Cheese was a major product, following milk and curd in production.
- Center of Origin: The sweet is believed to have originated in the Mandar-Sadangi area of Gondia block. It is now popular throughout the district.
- Preparation Method: First, moisture is removed from the cheese. Then, the dry cheese is fried. After frying, it is shaped into small balls to make Dhenkanal Magji.