The Palash (Tesu or Dhak) flower is not only a symbol of natural beauty but also a valuable resource for the rural economy, livelihood, and health. Its orange-red flowers, also known as “Flame of the Forest,” bring prosperity to rural areas in spring. Palash flowers, seeds, and gum (Kamarkas) are used in Ayurveda to treat skin diseases, intestinal worms, diabetes, and improve sexual health. Villagers also supplement their income by selling these medicinal products.
Palash is a medicinal and cultural flower
. The Palash flower (Butea monosperma), also known as Tesu, Dhak, or “Flame of the Forest,” is an important medicinal and cultural flower in India. Its attractive orange flowers, which bloom in spring, not only enhance natural beauty but also have medicinal uses, natural Holi colors, and skin care. Palash trees are found in large numbers in the Katghora Forest Division of Chhattisgarh. It is abundantly available in areas like Pasan, Kendai, Jatga, Etmanagar, Katghora, Chautma, and Pali. Collection of minor forest produce is a major source of livelihood for tribal and forest-dwelling families here. Palash flowers are primarily collected in March and April. The Chhattisgarh State Minor Forest Produce Federation, Raipur, has set a collection rate of ₹11.50 per kilogram for 2025. This rate has proven helpful in ensuring collectors receive a fair price for their hard work.
Collection of Palash flowers in the Katghora Forest Division is steadily increasing,
with 402 quintals collected from 116 collectors in 2022-23, 58 quintals from 40 collectors in 2023-24, 147 quintals from 107 collectors in 2024-25, and 76 quintals from 20 collectors in 2025-26. This has also led to an increase in the price of Palash flowers. Palash, which was available for Rs. 900 per quintal in 2022-23, increased to Rs. 1150 per quintal in 2024-25. Subsequently, it was sold by the Union Headquarters at Rs. 1600 per quintal, providing better profits to the collectors.
A total of Rs. 87,400 was paid to 20 collectors.
Collection work has been organized through the Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Pasan, Morga, Donganala, Gursiyan, and Manikpur. These centers provided training, collection, and marketing support to local people. In 2025-26, 20 collectors who collected Palash flowers received a total payment of Rs. 87,400, strengthening their economic status and improving their standard of living. This initiative is an excellent example of the effective implementation of government schemes, providing employment and income opportunities to rural and tribal families through minor forest produce.
Palash flowers are a major source of rural employment.
Palash flowers are considered very dear to Goddess Lakshmi, and are therefore used in worship. It is believed that keeping them in the safe increases wealth and prosperity. Plates and bowls made from Palash leaves are very popular as eco-friendly options for weddings and other events, providing a major source of rural employment. In the upcoming season, the goal is to engage as many people as possible in Palash flower collection through extensive publicity in all committees of the Katghora Forest Division. This will not only increase livelihood opportunities but also ensure sustainable and proper use of forest resources. Palash is not just a story of flowers, but a story of self-reliance, livelihood, and prosperity.
Natural and herbal gulal and colors from Palash flowers.
The most significant commercial use of Palash flowers is in the production of natural and herbal gulal and colors for Holi. Tribal and rural women are enhancing their livelihoods by producing eco-friendly colors from these flowers through the Palash brand.