Khajuripada: With the arrival of the Phalguna month, an air of excitement spreads across tribal villages in Kandhamal district as mahua flowers begin to bloom and fall from the trees.
This annual occurrence prompts local communities to engage in the collection of these prized flowers, a key source of income for many tribal families.
With its dense forests and hilly terrains, Kandhamal district is home to a significant tribal population that depends on forest produce and agriculture for sustenance. At present, people across various blocks, particularly in Khajuripada, are busy gathering mahua flowers from dawn to dusk.
Mahua flowers are a crucial non-timber forest product, providing a source of seasonal income. Every year, from March to April, mahua trees shed their flowers, drawing villagers— young and old—to collect them before livestock such as goats and cattle consume them. The activity has almost turned into a competition, with entire families venturing into the forests at the break of dawn, carrying baskets, mats, and wooden tools to aid in the collection.
Women, men, and even children from both tribal and non-tribal communities enthusiastically participate in this traditional practice. The flowers are not only a source of income but also a staple in the local diet, further deepening the community’s connection to the seasonal harvest.
After collection, the flowers are spread out to dry on large rocks, tin roofs, or open courtyards for about a week. Once dried and cleaned, traders purchase them at Rs30-40 per kilogram, while labourers can gather about 3-4 kg per day each. However, locals say that the selling price is too low compared to the effort involved. Many believe the government should set a minimum price of Rs70-80 per kg to ensure fair compensation.
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On average, a tribal family earns between Rs5,000-10,000 annually from mahua collection. Additionally, villagers believe that feeding mahua flowers to cattle, particularly cows increases milk production. As a result, many choose to retain a portion of their collection for livestock instead of selling it all.
Beyond its economic value, mahua is culturally significant in Kandhamal. The flowers are used to prepare local liquor, which plays an integral role in tribal rituals and community celebrations. The mahua tree also yields seeds known as “gara,” which are processed to extract oil used for cooking in rural households.
Despite its economic and cultural importance, mahua collectors face risks, including encounters with wild animals like bears, which are also attracted to the flowers’ sweet aroma. Yet, year after year, this tradition continues, reflecting the deep-rooted dependence of Kandhamal’s tribal communities on the forests that sustain them.
PNN
