Imli Chapati & Imli Candy: The Tangy Taste of Bastar’s Tradition

Bastar a land of lush green forests and cultural vibrancy—it is also home to flavors that capture the spirit of its people. Among these, imli (tamarind) stands out as a timeless treasure. From the earthy kitchens of Bastar to households across India, imli brings tang, sweetness, and heritage in every bite.

At VDVK Ghotiya in Bastar, women self-help groups (SHGs) have reimagined this traditional fruit into delightful products like imli chapati and imli candy. With the support of Chhattisgarh Herbals, these women are not only preserving tradition but also building livelihoods, independence, and pride.

This is not just about food—it’s about empowerment, tradition, and development.

What Makes Imli Special in Bastar?

Imli has always been more than an ingredient in Bastar. For centuries, it has flavored local cuisine, festivals, and daily meals. Villagers relish the tangy-sweet imli chapati (a sun-dried, tamarind-based flat preserve) and share imli candy as a natural, healthy snack.

In Bastar, imli is not only a source of taste but also of income. Forests in the region are rich with tamarind trees, making it a natural resource for tribal communities. Harvesting, processing, and preserving tamarind has long been part of the local economy—and now, through organized efforts, it’s becoming a pathway to sustainable growth.

The Role of Chhattisgarh Herbals

Chhattisgarh Herbals was established with the vision to bring natural, herbal, and traditional products to the forefront. By supporting self-help groups, it ensures that forest produce like tamarind is processed in a way that benefits local communities.

In Ghotiya village, the women’s SHG has been trained and equipped to make imli chapati and imli candy. These products are packaged, branded, and sold under the Chhattisgarh Herbals label, reaching customers across India. Every purchase creates a cycle of empowerment—helping rural women build confidence, skills, and financial independence.

Women’s Empowerment Through Imli

For the women of Ghotiya, imli is more than food—it’s an opportunity.

• Self-dependence: By producing imli-based products, women earn steady incomes, reducing financial dependence.
• Skill development: Training in processing, packaging, and quality control helps them gain new skills.
• Entrepreneurship: Many women are now confident about running small businesses and participating in the local economy.
• Community growth: Their success inspires other women in Bastar to join SHGs and contribute.

One member of the group says, “Earlier, we only knew tamarind as something we used at home. Now, we see it as a way to build our future.”

The Tangy Treats: Imli Chapati & Imli Candy

1. Imli Chapati
   A traditional sun-dried delicacy, imli chapati is made by blending tamarind pulp with jaggery and spices, rolling it into thin sheets, and drying it naturally. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and bursting with flavor. Loved by children and adults alike, it’s a taste of Bastar’s heritage wrapped in simplicity.
2. Imli Candy
   Sweet, tangy, and chewy, imli candy is a nostalgic delight. Unlike processed candies, it’s made with natural tamarind and jaggery—offering a healthier alternative that still satisfies your sweet tooth. For many, it brings back childhood memories, while for others, it’s a new discovery of an authentic Bastar taste.

Why Choose Bastar’s Imli from Chhattisgarh Herbals?

Here are 5 inspiring reasons:

1. Authenticity of Bastar: Each bite carries the raw, natural taste of the forests of Bastar.
2. Empowerment of Women: Your purchase supports rural women becoming self-reliant.
3. Skill Development: Behind every candy or chapati is a story of training and learning.
4. Sustainable Sourcing: Tamarind is collected responsibly, ensuring the health of forests.
5. Healthy & Natural: No harmful preservatives, only natural sweetness and tang.

Beyond Products – Building Futures

The journey of imli in Ghotiya is not just about making candies or chapatis. It’s about creating futures where women can dream bigger. The income they earn helps in educating children, improving healthcare, and strengthening their role in society.

Through Chhattisgarh Herbals, these women are part of a movement—a movement where tradition meets empowerment, and taste meets purpose.

The Purpose of Chhattisgarh Herbals

• To preserve indigenous knowledge and traditional products.
• To create sustainable livelihoods for tribal and rural women.
• To bring authentic natural products to consumers across the country.
• To promote eco-friendly practices and protect forest biodiversity.

When you choose imli chapati or imli candy, you are not just enjoying a snack—you are investing in people, tradition, and a greener planet.

A Taste That Gives Back

Imli from Bastar is not just tangy on the tongue; it’s sweet in its impact. Every candy, every chapati carries a story of resilience, courage, and empowerment. The women of Ghotiya are proving that with the right support, traditional skills can blossom into sustainable futures.

So, the next time you unwrap a piece of imli candy or savor a slice of imli chapati, remember: you’re tasting the heritage of Bastar and supporting the hands that made it.

Chhattisgarh Herbals—Bringing You Nature’s Goodness and People’s Strength.