Red ant chutney, unique prickly brinjal among 7 items from Odisha to receive GI tag

Similipal Kai Chutney is made from red weaver ants. (Representational)

Odisha has added seven distinctive products to its list of Geographical Indication (GI) tagged treasures. The Chennai-based GI Registry, known for recognizing unique and culturally significant products, bestowed the status on 'Similipal Kai Chutney’, Lanjia Saura paintings, Dungaria Kondh embroidered shawls, and Khajudi Guda (jaggery), among others. With this, Odisha has received 25 GI tags to date.

Leading the pack is the unconventional 'Similipal Kai Chutney,' made from red weaver ants. Tribals in Mayurbhanj district swear by its rich content of valuable proteins, calcium, zinc, Vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, copper, and 18 amino acids, believing it to be a potent boost to the immune system.

Lanjia Saura paintings, belonging to the 'Lanjia Saura' or 'Lanjia Savara/Sabara' tribe of Odisha's Rayagada district, have officially earned GI status. Originally displayed as exterior murals in tribal homes, these intricate white paintings against a crimson maroon background now stand as a testament to the unique cultural heritage of the region.

In a Facebook post, the state ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Class Welfare Department said, "The art form belongs to the 'Lanjia Saura' or 'Lanjia Savara/Sabara' tribe, one of the PVTGs of Odisha's Rayagada district. The paintings were originally in the form of exterior murals in tribal homes. The pattern was white paintings over a crimson maroon background," it added.

In another post, the department said that the women of Dungaria Kondh particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) living in Niyamgiri Hills of Rayagada and Kalahandi districts craft embroidery shawls, which are gifted to guests as a mark of respect and affection.

Similarly, 'Kalajeera Rice' is grown by tribal farmers in Koraput district. This particular variety is in demand as locals believe it has medicinal properties such as improving memory, controlling diabetes and increasing haemoglobin levels.

'Kanteimundi Brinjals, which has seeds and prickly thorns, is said to have originated in Badabanapur and Ratnapur areas of Nayagarh district and has a unique taste.

Odisha 'Khajuri Guda' or jaggery originated in Gajapati district is a natural sweetener obtained from date palm trees. Magji, a sweet item from Dhenkanal district, is made of buffalo milk cheese.