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Dehradun. Tea lovers like to drink tea in every mood. You must have drunk sweet tea by now, but have you ever enjoyed a salty taste tea? The Bhotia tribe living in the hills of Uttarakhand makes a special salty tea, which is called ‘Jai’. Its taste and method is both different from the rest of the tea.
People of Bhotia tribe of Uttarakhand make salty tea called Jai. Sugar, tea leaf, desi ghee as well as sattu are also used to make it.
Bhotia tribes live in the mountainous areas of Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. The women here make special tea which is called ‘Jai’. The taste of this tea is different because sattu, jaggery, ghee, flour and salt are used in it. ‘Jio’ is served for the auspicious works like marriage, Mundan as well as the hospitality of the guests who came home. People of Bhotia tribe prefer to drink ‘Jai’ not only in winter but in every season.
Local resident Moni said that Namkeen tea is not only considered beneficial in terms of health, but it also tastes that the one who tastes it once wants to drink it again and again.
Jy is not made like normal tea, but it is prepared by a special traditional method. First of all, water is heated in a vessel, then special tea leaves of Bhotia tribe are put in it, which is called ‘Dhunar’. This tea is boiled till it is cooked well. After this, the tea is filtered and poured into a wooden vessel called ‘Dumbu’, in which salt, milk, a pinch of flour and 1 to 2 teaspoons of desi ghee or drinking ghee are added. Then this mixture is well thrown. Sometimes a ground mixture of walnut seeds and coconut is also added to the Dumbu, which increases its taste and nutrition. After whipping, the ready is served by putting it in the bowl and traditionally it is served with sattu.
Local resident Himani Devi says that Namkeen tea ‘Jio’ is served with Sattu’s breakfast in winter. He said that this tea can be drunk in every season, but especially during the winners and rainy season it is more liked. It is also considered beneficial for health because it uses traditional ingredients like desi ghee, salt and dhunar. Its effect is hot, so those who are allergic to hot things, should consume it carefully.
Local people say that they spend six months of summer in policy valley and go towards the lower areas in winter. During this time, they traditionally prepare a variety of dishes, which are an important part of their food and culture.
It is said that people of Bhotia tribe wear traditional dress on the occasion of all their auspicious functions like marriage, naming or festivals and also prepare local traditional dishes. These dishes not only reflect their cultural pride but are also an important part of the reception of the guests.
