Bamboo has made its way into the lives, traditions and cultures of Northeast India a long time back. It is an abundantly available natural resource in Northeast India that can be used for multiple purposes right from making shelter, cooking food to making musical instruments. In spite of modernization, bamboo has not lost its charm because people are now going back to traditional and eco-friendly utilization.
Here are a few unique and interesting ways in which the Northeastern region has been using its bamboo stock.
1. Bamboo Shoots : Bamboos for Consumption
In Northeastern region of India, bamboo shoots are consumed in many forms including fresh, dry and fermented. It is an important ingredient of the traditional cuisines that is used in various parts across the region. Bamboo shoots are rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Because of its richness in nutrients and the unique flavor, shoots form an essential ingredient in the kitchen.
Pork prepared with bamboo shoot is a mouthwatering delicacy for pork lovers. Similar dishes can be prepared with chicken as well, so does sour fish curry. Locals also relish it in the pickled form, specially with Bhut Jolokia.
2. Bamboo Glasses or Tumblers
Bamboo tumblers can be a great substitute for plastic. In the town of Basar in Arunachal Pradesh, these tumblers are a common sight. The town is inhabited by Galo community who make a local rice beer known as ‘Poka’. Poka is usually served in the natural tumblers which gives the tourists a unique experience.
Apart from the mentioned places, these glasses and mugs form an important part of the social and religious functions of multiple tribal communities of the region. Guwahati Foodie , one of a largest online communities of the region undertook an initiative called the Summer Picnic to focus on eco-friendly product. Plates were replaced by banana leaves and glasses by bamboo ones.
3. Jaapi : Bamboo Headgear
Made with tightly woven bamboo and fan palm leaves, Jaapi is a kind of conical hat or sunshade. The decorated version of the Jaapi is of great reverence to the Assamese. And Assamese people often give them to guests and dignitaries as a sign of respect or gratitude. Being a cultural symbol, a Jaapi is a common item in Assamese households. It is also an essential part as a prop, handled with respect, during Bihu performances.
A much simpler version of the Jaapi is used by farmers and agriculturists in the paddy fields of the region while working.
4. Bamboo Hollows : Cooking Vessels
Bamboo hollows are a perfect option for cooking as they contain moisture and are heat resistant. Various communities across the Northeast use these tubes to prepare a variety of exotic delicacies. One of the popular recipes cooked in these hollows in Assam is Sunga Saul.
Pork or chicken cooked in the hollows are extremely popular as this method gives a unique flavor to the meat. Here are a few exotic recipes using these tubes.
5. Bamboo for Dripping Irrigation
This innovative system uses bamboo pipes to tap into streams or spring-water reservoirs to irrigate plantations. Believed to be more than two centuries old, this form of irrigation is still prevalent in many parts of Meghalaya.
Another useful way is to store water in the tubes and close the hole with a removable stopper. So it serves just like a modern day tap, in a more natural setting.
6. Bamboo Dance : Heritage of Mizoram
Mizoram boasts of an beautiful and rhythmic folk dance form Cheraw, popularly known as the Bamboo Dance. In this dance, the men sit holding the bamboos on the ground on either ends, while the women hop in and out between the bamboos according to the rhythm. The synchronization is the beauty as well as the essence of this dance form because if you miss one beat you can hurt your ankles.
7. Bisoni : Hand powered Fan from Assam
This comes from the times when electricity was not even available for public usage. The stem is first cut into smaller pieces to remove the blocks. Thereafter, finely sliced and finally woven into fans of the shape and size of choice.
These were some of the uses of this amazing plant. So share it with your friends if you like the read.
