Bhubaneswar: Seven more products, unique to Odisha, have now been accorded GI tag by Chennai-based Geographical Indication Registry.
They are Odisha Khajuri Guda, Dhenkanal Magji, Similipal Kai Chutney of Odisha, Nayagarh Kanteimundi Brinjal, Kapadaganda: Dungaria Kondh Embroidery Shawl, Koraput Kalajeera Rice, and Painting of Lanjia Saura (Idital).
With these additions, the existing Odisha GI list has gone up to 25.
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>> Kalajeera Rice is grown in Koraput district’s Tolla, Patraput, Pujariput, Baliguda and Mohuli areas. According to ancient text, Kalajeera rice improves memory and controls diabetes. It is believed to increase haemoglobin levels and the body metabolism. This fragrant grain has antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, antibacterial, astringent and sedative properties.
>> Dungaria Kondh Embroidery Shawl are mostly crafted by women of this particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) who live in the Niyamgiri Hills of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts in southern parts of Odisha for their own use and to present to guests as a mark of respect and affection. The off-white coarse cloth used as a raw material for Kapdaganda is procured from the Domb community, a local Scheduled Caste community, by bartering harvested crops. The motifs embroidered on the cloth by a needle in three different coloured threads – green (symbolising fertile mountains and hills), yellow (sign of auspiciousness signifying peace, smile, togetherness, health and happiness) and red (symbol of blood, energy, power and revenge).
>> ‘Idital’ painting art belongs to the ‘Lanjia Saura’ (or ‘Lanjia Savara/ Sabara) tribe one of the PVTGs of Rayagada district of Odisha. These paintings were originally in forms of exterior murals (wall painting) of the tribal homes. The original pattern was white paintings over a crimson maroon background. Nowadays, the youth of the community has learnt the use of acrylic colours on canvas and has come up with mind blowing art which can qualify for high-end home decor.
>> In the Mayurbhanj district in Odisha, red weaver ants are consumed in the form of a Chutney known as ‘Kai Chutney’. It is known to serve medicinal purposes apart from being a delicacy. This savoury food item is rich in valuable proteins, calcium, zinc, vitamin B-12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, fibre and 18 amino acids, is known to boost the immune system and keep diseases at bay. It is also given to people suffering from jaundice, common cold, joint pain, cough and poor eyesight.
>> Grown in Kantilo area of Nayagarh, Kanteimundi Brinjals are loaded with seeds and have prickly thorns. This brinjal variety is said to have originated in the Badabanapur and Ratnapur areas of Nayagarh. Grown in a sandy soil, it is known to have a unique taste among brinjal genotypes.
>> Odisha Khajuri Guda (jaggery) of Gajapati district is a natural sweetener obtained from sweet juice (neera) of date palm trees. The jaggery prepared in trapezoidal form called ‘Patali gur’ traditionally, is purely organic. Dark brown in colour, it has a unique taste.
>> Magji, a sweet made of buffalo milk cheese, is unique to Gondia block of Dhenkanal and is being made for over 100 years now. Even regional literature is packed with its praises. The laddu is available with confectioners in Bhuban, Mandar, Kashipur, Sadangi, Gondia, Bidharpur, Deogaon and in Dhenkanal town.
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