About Kandhamal District, Odisha

Kandhamal district is one of the most culturally rich and ecologically diverse districts of Odisha, located in the central-southern region of the state. Known for its dense forests, undulating hills, indigenous tribal communities, and organic agricultural practices, Kandhamal represents the heart of Odisha’s tribal economy.

The district headquarters, Phulbani, serves as the administrative and cultural center, while Daringbadi, often called the “Kashmir of Odisha,” stands out as a popular eco-tourism destination due to its cool climate and scenic beauty.

Kandhamal is globally recognized for its GI-tagged turmeric—Kandhamal Haladi—and remains a vital district for tribal livelihood, forest produce, and indigenous food systems.

Historical Background

Kandhamal derives its name from the Kandha (Kondh) tribe, the dominant indigenous community of the region. Historically, the area was part of princely states and tribal territories, where governance was largely decentralized and community-led.

During British rule, Kandhamal was incorporated into the colonial administrative system, but tribal resistance and autonomy remained
strong. The region maintained its cultural identity despite external
influences.

Post-independence, Kandhamal was carved as a separate district to ensure focused tribal development and administrative efficiency.

Buy Kandhamal Food Products Buy Kandhamal Haldi Now
Handmade Tribal Jewellery & Lifestyle — Sundargarh

Geography and Climate

Kandhamal is characterized by:

  • Hilly terrain forming part of the Eastern Ghats
  • Dense forest cover (~60%) providing rich biodiversity
  • Elevation ranging between 300–900 meters
  • Cooler climate compared to coastal Odisha

    The district’s agro-climatic conditions are ideal for spices such as turmeric, ginger, mustard, and tamarind.

    The forests also support non-timber forest produce (NTFP), which forms a major livelihood source for tribal communities.
Shop Kandhamal Products

Culture, Traditions and Food Habits

Tribal Cultural Ecosystem

Kandhamal's culture is deeply rooted in nature worship, seasonal cycles, and community rituals.

Key festivals include:
  • Danda Nacha – ritualistic performance dedicated to Goddess Kali
  • Kedu Laka & Maranga Laka – agricultural and forest-based rituals
  • Bora Laka – crop fertility rituals
  • Sisaa Laka – post-harvest celebrations

These festivals reflect a strong connection between spirituality, agriculture, and ecology.

Food Habits

The food culture of Kandhamal is:

Millet-based (mandia/ragi, kodo, little millet)
Forest-dependent (mahua flowers, bamboo shoots, wild fruits)
Low processed & organic by default

Staple foods include:
  • Mandia pej (ragi porridge)
  • Rice with forest greens
  • Mahua-based preparations
  • Turmeric-infused curries

Spices like Kandhamal turmeric are used not just for flavor but also for medicinal benefits.

Kandha and Other Indigenous Tribes

Kandhamal’s identity comes from its indigenous communities, especially the Kandha (Kondh) tribe, whose lives are closely connected to forests, farming, and seasonal rituals.

Kandha (Kondh) Tribe

The Kandha (Kondh) tribe is the largest tribal group in Kandhamal. They speak the Kui language and practice:

  • Shifting cultivation
  • Forest-based livelihoods
  • Nature-centric religious practices

Turmeric cultivation is deeply embedded in their socio-economic life.

Other Tribal Communities

  • Kandha Gauda – cattle-herding and agriculture-based community
  • Binjhal – historically resilient tribal group with agrarian roots

These communities collectively preserve indigenous knowledge systems, including herbal medicine, seed preservation, and sustainable agriculture.

Kandhamal Haldi – Odisha's Golden GI Treasure

Kandhamal Haladi is one of Odisha's most celebrated GI-tagged products. This turmeric is known for its high curcumin content, strong aroma, deep golden color, and medicinal value. Grown largely by tribal farmers using traditional and low-chemical farming methods, it represents authenticity, purity, and regional identity.

GI Tagged

Recognized for its unique origin and quality

High Curcumin

Known for strength, color, and wellness value

Tribal Sourced

Connected to thousands of farming families

Naturally Grown

Rooted in traditional cultivation practices

Buy GI-Tagged Kandhamal Haldi

Shop Authentic Kandhamal Products

At Odisha Desi Haat, we bring you authentic products directly from Kandhamal’s tribal farmers to your home.

View all

Empowering Tribal Farmers Through KASAM

The Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing (KASAM) has played a major role in bringing Kandhamal turmeric to wider recognition. By helping organize farmers, improve market access, and strengthen the GI identity of Kandhamal Haladi, KASAM has helped tribal producers connect with buyers across India and beyond.

Buy KASAM products

Supported by Tribal Development Institutions

Institutions such as ITDA, the SC & ST Development Department, and TDCC play an important role in strengthening tribal welfare, agricultural livelihoods, forest produce marketing, and value-added rural enterprise. Their work helps support Kandhamal's transformation into a stronger, market-linked indigenous economy.

These institutions collectively support Kandhamal’s transition from subsistence economy to market-linked growth.
Voices from Sundargarh

Kandhamal Haldi – Odisha’s Golden GI Treasure


Kandhamal’s forests, farms, and tribal communities hold immense value — from millets to forest produce — ready to reach every Indian home.

Explore Products from Kandhamal

Odisha Desi Haat – Bringing Kandhamal to Your Doorstep

Odisha Desi Haat acts as a bridge between tribal producers and modern consumers by promoting authentic, traceable, and region-specific products from Odisha. Through curated sourcing, storytelling, and pan-India delivery, Odisha Desi Haat helps bring Kandhamal’s GI-tagged turmeric and indigenous food products to conscious buyers who value quality and authenticity.

See how Odisha Desi Haat works

Tourism & Untapped Potential

Kandhamal offers immense eco-tourism potential that can create a sustainable rural economy when combined with local product promotion.

Daringbadi Hill Station

Known as the 'Kashmir of Odisha', Daringbadi offers scenic hill views, pine forests, and a cool climate perfect for eco-tourism.

Coffee Plantations

Explore organic coffee estates where tribal farmers cultivate premium arabica beans in the misty highlands of Kandhamal.

Tribal Cultural Tourism

Experience authentic tribal heritage, traditional crafts, and indigenous wisdom passed down through generations.

Forest Trails

Trek through pristine forests rich in biodiversity, medicinal plants, and natural beauty untouched by modern development.

Tourism combined with local product promotion can create a sustainable rural economy that benefits tribal communities while preserving their heritage.

What Kandhamal Produces

Kandhamal's economy is shaped by a natural integration of agriculture, forests, and tribal craftsmanship. From hand-processed spices to forest produce and millet-based foods, the district offers products that are deeply authentic and origin-driven.

GI-Tagged Turmeric

GI-Tagged Turmeric

GI Tagged
Millets

Millets

Cultivation by local farmers
Mustard

Mustard

Cold Pressed Oil
Tamarind

Tamarind

Suitable for daily cooking
Honey

Honey

Natural Organic Honey
Leaf Plates

Leaf Plates

Organic leaf powder

Experience the Authentic Taste of Kandhamal

From GI-tagged haldi to tribal foods and forest produce, Kandhamal offers a story of purity, heritage, and sustainable livelihoods. Bring home the authentic products of Odisha and support origin-based commerce.

Shop Now View All Odisha District Products

Frequently Asked Questions

Kandhamal is famous for its GI-tagged turmeric (Kandhamal Haladi), tribal culture, forest produce, and organic farming practices.

Kandhamal Haldi has high curcumin content, strong aroma, deep color, and is grown using traditional, low-chemical farming methods by tribal farmers.

Most Kandhamal turmeric is grown using natural and traditional farming practices, making it close to organic in nature.

Over 60,000 tribal families, mainly from the Kandha (Kondh) community, are involved in turmeric cultivation.

You can buy authentic Kandhamal turmeric, spices, and tribal products from Odisha Desi Haat with pan-India delivery.