Food Practices among Ethnic Communities of Bangladesh

1. Food Practices among Ethnic Communities of Bangladesh (Some Observations among Manipuri and Khasi Communities in Sylhet) Naila Momotaz Bari

2. Objective To understand the food practice of Manipuri and Khasi communities in Sylhet

3. Specific Objectives • To observe and understand • Their regular food patterns • Food related physiological problems • Ritualistic food habits • Cooking pattern • To do a comparative study on dietary practices between ethnic communities living in Sylhet and the mainstream population

4. Location & The people • Manipuri Community: • Sylhet Town • Kamalganj, Sylhet • Sreemangal • Khasi Community: • Jafflong,Sylhet • Sreemangal, Sylhet • Sunamganj

5. Sample Selection and Methodology of Interview The eldest person in the family The educated person in the family The person in charge of preparing meals

6. Factors Considered Culture Religion Distance between Mainstream Market and Their Habitats Economical and Ecological Factors for Food Selection Geo-topographical Factors Sensory Characteristics for Food Selection Health Status for Particular Food Selection

7. Probe List: Culture The selection of a set of basic (staple or secondary) dishes The frequent use of a characteristic set of condiments The characteristic processing (e.g. chopping and cooking) of such dishes The adoption of a variety of rules dealing with acceptable dishes and combinations, ceremonial dishes, the social context of eating, and the symbolic uses of dishes

8. Probe List: Religion Monipuri: Old Hinduism (Bishnupriya) Mitoi Muslims (MitoiPangan) (Quite rare in Sreemangal) Khasia: Christian Nature Worshipping Thinga (Traditional Praying)

9. Probe List • Distance between Mainstream Market and their Habitat • Socio-economic & Ecological Factors For Food Selection • Geo-topographical Factors • Sensory Characteristics for Food Selection • Taste • Texture • Visual Characteristics

10. Findings Health status for particular food selection:

11. Name of Ritual Dishes in Manipuri community:

12. Vegetables in Manipuri Community Toningkhok Mayangba

13. Vegetables in Manipuri Community Heina Zendam

14. Vegetables in Manipuri Community Boshpata Ekaithabik

15. Vegetables in Manipuri Community Faagfay Zenam

16. Source of Water From Tube well Pond

17. Source of Water Water Solution System Water fall

18. Conclusion Research is an endless and ongoing process. It will never end because food is related to factors such as society, culture, economy and also ecology. If any ingredients are changed, eating patterns can also change over time. In order to keep track of such changes, we have initiated this study – to better understand the change of eating patterns, along with health and nature. This is an opportunity to begin studies into new fields of food and anthropology.

19. Special Thanks To Supervised by: Sponsored by: AKM Mazharul Islam Associate Professor Anthropology Department Shahjalal University of Science & Technology AHZ Agro Industries (Pvt) Ltd Dhaka, Bangladesh