Pantnagar Journal of Research

Abstract

Bhotiya tribe is a group of ethno-linguistic people typically living in the Trans-Himalayan region. The tribe is generally inhabited in three major districts of Uttarakhand namely Pithoragarh, Chamoli and Uttarkashi. These tribal people live in close proximity with nature and therefore their food and other resources are derived from nature and local forests, thus explaining their dependency on nature. The food they consume, the dietary and cooking practices they follow are typical to them which are also eco-friendly and sustainable. Therefore, attempt was made to study their indigenous food and beverages and document their preparation and cooking methods. The research was exclusively conducted among 50 bhotiya women aged between 18-50 years residing in village Ghorpatta of Munsyari tehsil in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. A total of 14 food and beverage items were reported in the study. It was also found that some of the recipes used ingredients which were used as medicine by the tribe in curing various illnesses. These indigenously prepared food items also ensure food security and improved nutrition therefore, the study is an attempt to document these indigenous cooking methods which are eco-friendly and sustainable.