Indigenous Food Habit of Bodo Tribe
Author : Bhanumati Basumatary
Abstract :
The Bodo people are an ethnic group in the Indian state of Assam. Bodo have a rich cultural heritage and are recognized for their traditional dances, food, festival and vibrant handloom textile. The traditional food of the Bodo people reflects their agricultural lifestyle. Staple food include rice and various locally grown vegetable. Pork is a significant part of their diet. Bodo people have unique preparation like ‘zou’, a traditional Bodo rice beer. It is made from fermented rice. It is a popular traditional drink in Bodo culture. Offering rice beer to guests is a customary practice among the Bodo people. Bodo cuisine also feature a variety of traditional recipes using bamboo shoots, wild greens, wild coriander and herbs. Additionally Bodo people consume different types of meat, including fish and chicken, often prepared with local herbs and spices. The Bodo people use a variety of local herbs in their traditional practices, including medical and culinary applications. Kharwi or Khardwi is the essential ingredient in Bodo cuisine. Khardwi is an alkaline liquid made from the peel of a banana grown locally in Assam, Bhim kol. Traditional cooking methods, such as smoking and fermenting add distinct flavors to Bodo dishes. Meats are frequently smoked to add a distinct flavor. Fermented bamboo shoots and fish are staple, contributing unique taste to various Bodo dishes. Bodo cuisine includes a variety of curries, such as fish curry and pork curry, using a blend of spices for rich and flavorful outcomes. Sticky rice is a favorite, often prepared by steaming and enjoyed with various accompaniments. These cooking styles reflects the community’s connection to nature and utilization of traditional culinary techniques passed down through generation. Food habits often undergo changes from generation to generation due to various factors, including cultural shifts, technological advancement, and evolving lifestyles. Younger generations may embrace modern influence, fostering an appreciation for the unique flavors, techniques and stories embedded in indigenous food helps ensure the contribution of culinary traditions. Preserving the rich heritage of indigenous food is crucial, and recognized the value of traditional cuisine is essential for maintaining cultural identity.
Keywords :
Indigenous, food, Kharwi, Samo, bamboo-shoot, wild coriander, pork
