Kalanamak rice (also known as Buddha rice) is a premium black aromatic rice and healthy rice variety of Nepal and India. The name "Kalanamak" translates to "black salt" (Kala = black; the suffix ‘namak’ means salt). This variety has been in cultivation since the Buddhist period (600 BC). It was featured in the book Speciality rices of the world by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Chinese monk Faxian wrote that when Buddha visited Kapilvastu (Siddharthnagar) for the first time after attaining enlightenment, local villagers requested "Prasad" (a blessed gift), Buddha blessed them with grains of kalanamak rice and instructed them to cultivate it in marshy lands, saying, "It will possess a distinctive aroma that will always remind people of me." In recognition of its cultural and agricultural significance, it was granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2012 by the Government of India. This iron rich rice and zinc rich rice is exceptionally rich in essential micronutrients including iron and zinc. It contains double the protein content compared to conventional rice varieties and maintains a low glycemic index, making it an ideal diabetic friendly rice choice for individuals managing diabetes and those seeking healthier dietary options.