Did You Try Bitchi Yet? Here is All You Need to Know About the Garo Brew from Meghalaya
First Published: 12th December, 2024 21:24 IST
Crafted in villages around Tura in the Garo Hills, Bitchi has been cherished for centuries as a staple in the Garo diet
Cheftzac Bitchi, or Chubitchi as it is fondly called by the Garo people of Meghalaya, is more than just a traditional rice wine—it is a living embodiment of their cultural heritage and a cornerstone of community life.
Crafted in villages around Tura in the Garo Hills, Bitchi has been cherished for centuries as a staple in the Garo diet and a central element of their rituals, social celebrations, and daily relaxation. Offering Bitchi to guests symbolizes the Garo people’s warm hospitality.
Here is How Bitchi is Made
The preparation of Bitchi is a meticulous and the process has been handed down through generations. Locally sourced sticky rice, or minil, is steamed and combined with wanti, a natural fermentation starter crafted from a blend of rice, herbs, and sometimes chili, aged in bamboo baskets. This mixture is packed into earthen pots lined with banana leaves, sealed, and left to ferment near a warm hearth for days or even weeks. The result is a mildly alcoholic drink with a distinctive smoky, earthy flavor, integral to both ceremonial occasions and everyday life.
Traditionally served in dikka (earthen jars) and ladled with abet (hollowed gourds), Bitchi represents the indegenous ethos of the Garo people. Beyond its cultural significance, it is believed to possess health benefits, such as relieving stomach cramps and aiding recovery after childbirth. It also serves as a medium for storytelling and bonding among family and neighbours after a long day’s work.
While modern beverages have become widely available, the art of brewing Bitchi remains alive, particularly in remote villages where traditional practices thrive. Preserving this rich legacy is essential to safeguarding the cultural identity of the Garo people and honouring their enduring connection to their land and heritage.
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