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WORLD ANTHROPOLOGICAL UNION

CONGRESS 2024​

Paper

Preserving Heritage: The Decline and Revival of Paasa in Tai-Khamti Culinary Tradition of Arunachal

presenters

    NADA AKU

    Nationality: INDIAN

    Residence: INDIA

    Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh-791112 Arunachal Pradesh, India

    Presence:Online

Food does not only signify the survival imperative; it is also a matter of social and spiritual pleasure. Food is indeed a way of life and has become an intrinsic part of culture. Food and culture are always interlinked with each other; in every society, ethnic food always represents their culture and identity. Khamti’s residence in Arunachal Pradesh has a very rich and vibrant cultural heritage. Paasa is one of the delicacies prepared by Khamti people, and not everyone in the community possesses this culinary art. Evolving Khamti society has undergone changes in different aspects, and therefore, they are on the verge of losing the practice of preparing paasa. The present study focuses on the traditional knowledge system in relation to Paasa and the role of Paasa in Khamti society. The study also sheds light on the vanishing art of preparing paasa and the measures taken by Khamti society to revive this art.

Keywords:

Himalayan tribe, Tai Khamti, Food culture, Paasa