Ranchi: In a bid to preserve and document the rich indigenous culinary heritage of the state, the Dr Ramdayal Munda Tribal Welfare Research Institute (TRI Jharkhand) is set to host a three-day tribal cuisine competition-cum-sale and exhibition from Nov 19 to 21.The application process for the competition opened on Tuesday, with the deadline set for Nov 10. Registration is free of cost and strictly open only to individual members of the state’s tribal communities. Commercial entities, including hotels, restaurants, companies, and private firms, are explicitly barred from participating.TRI Jharkhand director Alok Shikari Kachchap said, “The objective is to preserve and document the rich tribal food traditions, traditional culinary art and dishes, and associated cultural heritage of Jharkhand, as well as to encourage skill development, certification, and entrepreneurship among tribal artisans and traditional food makers.”As part of the application process, participants must submit comprehensive details of two traditional tribal dishes which may include dhuska, chilka roti, rugda, recipes prepared with bamboo shoots, etc. The details will have standardised quantities of ingredients, exact preparation methods, relevant tribal origins, and the cultural background of the recipes. Applicants are required to state the name of the dish in the local dialect as well as Hindi (if available), provide a step-by-step guide from preparation to serving, highlight its link to festivals, marriages, agricultural cycles, or daily life, and detail any forest-based or unique traditional ingredients used.“The information provided will be used in the future for documentation, research, and knowledge-sharing regarding tribal food traditions,” Kachchap added, emphasising that the initiative will also help build standard recipe compilations and enhance local livelihood opportunities through training and certification.Entries will be evaluated by an expert panel on four key parameters: taste, uniqueness, presentation, and nutritional value. The competition offers substantial monetary incentives, with the top entry carrying a cash prize of Rs 60,000. The second and third place winners will receive Rs 50,000 and Rs 40,000 respectively, while five consolation prizes of Rs 15,000 each will be awarded to encourage participants.
Jharkhand local food
