How the Oraon tribe makes Mahua liquor
In India, the Mahua flower, nestled in the branches of the Indian butter tree, is a cherished secret of the Oraon tribe. Explore the significance of Mahua liquor in their culture and its timeless recipe.
Mahua is a beautiful flower found on the Mahua tree. This magical tree provides valuable things like vegetable butter, medicines, syrups, and Mahua liquor – a special drink made from its fragrant flowers, making it particularly exciting.
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Although many tribal communities make Mahua liquor, it is believed that the people of Oraon community make the best Mahua liquor. Mahua is a significant part of their culture and tradition. They love Mahua so much that they sing songs about it, worship it, and even make special rituals to preserve it.
To make the liqour, they collect the beautiful petals of the Mahua flower from the forest. These petals are sweet and special. They mix the Mahua petals with jaggery and water. It’s like making sweet soup.
After 8 days, they boil this mixture in a big pot on a stove. They use another pot with a hole in it and connect a tube to it. This is where the magic happens. When the mixture boils, it turns into vapour. This vapour goes through the tube and comes out as a special drink. The drink is then collected in a container. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to make 8 litres of Mahua liquor.
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Each family in the Oraon tribe has its own way of making Mahua liquor, so every batch is different. The Oraon tribe encounters obstacles in sharing their prized Mahua liquor. Legal restrictions in certain areas, such as Bihar and Gujarat, compel them to keep the production and sale undercover, resulting in limited quantities.
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Mahua liquor is not just a tasty drink, it’s a symbol of the rich culture and traditions of the Oraon tribe. They make it with love and care, and it has been a part of their lives for a very long time. While there are some challenges, the Oraon tribe continues to celebrate their cultural treasure, Mahua, and share it with those who understand its value.
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The lead image at the top shows a woman of the Oraon tribe collecting Mahua flowers.
Monika Marandi is an independent journalist based in Delhi. She is a Rural Media Fellow 2022 at Youth Hub, Village Square.