Abstract:

North eastern region of India in general and Arunachal Pradesh in particular is well known for their age old practice of preparation of alcoholic fermented beverages. These beverages are produced manually and locally using traditional practices as transferred to them by their ancestors. There are 25 major and about 125 sub-tribes inhabiting in the state. These ethnic groups offer an excellent opportunity for studying their traditional practices of preparing alcoholic drinks. Different cereal and millet based fermented beverages are major dietary constituent of their day to day life. These drinks are considered nutritious and of high caloric value. However, whole fermentation process is done without any technical control and hygienic input.