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Chicken and fish, marketed around the world as a popular selection of non-vegetarian ingredients, are domestic and farmed by people. Even the "desi" non-vegetarian meat and fish are raised in the village farms.
The tribal community of Jharkhand comes from living a sustainable lifestyle that protects the ecosystem and the forests' resources. Most of the time, they raise different livestock for their non-vegetarian needs or go fishing.
However, many animals or fish are found only during specified seasons in Jharkhand due to the extensive climate changes that the region undergoes. Another reason is that the nomadic tribal people avoid raising domesticated animals like goats and chicken as a means of maintaining their cultural identity.
Most of these communities are dependent upon hunting. Learn about the various delicacies these tribal communities acquired from the forest and the animals there.
Exotic Delicacies Of Jharkhand
Ant Chutney
This ant chutney is made from red and black ants found near sal trees living in clusters. This is a popular delicacy, mainly among the Munda and Oraon tribes. The red ants and their eggs are renowned for their high protein content and unusual sour taste. The ants and their eggs are taken from anthills, cleaned, and then roasted.
Ghonghi Curry
Ghonghi is a traditional cuisine among the Santhal and Ho tribes of Jharkhand. Ghonghi involves the usage of snails obtained from local water bodies. The snails are washed and cooked. The snail meat is then sautéed with onions, garlic, ginger, and local spices and then cooked with water or broth until soft to make a curry.
Jhingur Roast
This Jharkhandi dish is made out of local crickets. It is a favourite among the Kharia and Birhor tribes. Crickets are regarded as an exotic delicacy and a valuable source of protein outside India, too. They are then deep-fried until they become crispy and mixed with salt and spices.
Swan Eggs
The Paharia and Mal Paharia communities are among the tribes that love the delicacy known as "Rajhans Ka Anda," which is made from swan eggs. Swan eggs are an excellent choice for special dishes because of their creamy texture and large size.
Wild Honey
Collecting honey is also a beloved tradition in these communities.The process of gathering honey in tribal communities of Jharkhand comes from traditional knowledge and symbiotic relationships with nature. Tribes often rely on the Greater Honeyguide bird, a unique bird known for its ability to lead humans to wild beehives. The bird makes a distinctive call to attract attention and then guides the honey gatherers to the hidden hives.
In some instances, tribes observe bears, known for their affinity for honey, as they forage. Bears often break open beehives to access the honey, leaving behind remnants that tribes can then collect.
