Kalahandi (କଳାହାଣ୍ଡି) is a district in southwestern Odisha, India, with its administrative headquarters at Bhawanipatna. Its landscape includes cultivated plains, wooded hills and river valleys. Known for its tribal heritage, agriculture and archaeological sites, the district has also featured prominently in discussions about poverty, food security and regional development.
Communities include Kondh and Gond peoples, alongside other groups, with Odia and local languages shaping everyday life. Folk music, dance, crafts and festivals such as Chhatar Jatra reflect a varied cultural landscape. Farming, particularly rice cultivation, supports many livelihoods, while forest produce, trade and industry also contribute. Notable places include Manikeswari Temple in Bhawanipatna, the archaeological remains at Asurgarh and the forests around Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary.
Common civic concerns include reliable irrigation, drinking water, healthcare, schooling and road connectivity, especially in remote villages. Residents also care about agricultural incomes, employment, migration, nutrition and access to welfare services. Forest rights and balancing industrial development with environmental protection are important public issues.