Indigenous Food System During Monsoon in the Context of India

Abstract

India, the monsoon season is a culinary spectacle where ancient food traditions, intricately woven through generations, come to life. This period highlights the diverse indigenous food systems, which hold both cultural and ethnic significance, alongside their nutritional value. The monsoon's arrival transforms the culinary landscape, ushering in a vibrant array of flavors and dishes. Indian cuisine shares a symbiotic relationship with the monsoon. The use of indigenous spices not only enhances the taste but also offers antibacterial and antiviral properties, bolstering immunity against seasonal ailments. This season's dynamic platter invites a deeper appreciation for indigenous delicacies like the Maharashtrian 'Vagheteyachi bhaji' and the Indigenous agrarian communities of Chattisgarh celebrating 'Hareli' with medicinal brews of herbs and roots. Even festivals like Janmashtami see unique monsoon-centric dishes like 'Alvati' grace the table. The title of our research project acts as a portal into the intriguing world of culinary choices and practices across diverse Indian communities. Through this endeavor, we aim to unravel the impact of the monsoon on food and health, with a special emphasis on promoting and preserving ancient food practices. The Millet Revolution in India adds another dimension to our exploration. Millets, being resilient crops that thrive in diverse climatic conditions, have gained recognition for their nutritional benefits and suitability for monsoon cultivation. Our research delves into the scientific and religious rationales behind consuming various indigenous foods during different seasons, including those that are avoided to prevent seasonal illnesses. We evaluate governmental initiatives aimed at supporting small-scale farming institutes responsible for producing monsoon seasonal foods. Our research methodology combines primary data collection through questionnaires and community conversations, supplemented by secondary data from official statistics provided by the Government of India on the production of various indigenous food species.