Indigenous Knowledge of Food Habits Reflecting the Cultural Identity of the Lepchas in Sikkim

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is regarded as the knowledge and art of the indigenous communities who have preserved their skills, art, techniques etc. and shared among themselves orally and through demonstration. Likewise, the indigenous knowledge of the food habits of the Lepchas resembles a unique trait of identity among the Lepchas in Sikkim. The Lepchas share indigenous knowledge of collecting and identifying wild edible products. Also, the Lepchas consumed food by hunting wild animals and preparing food out of it. There is an amazing diversity of indigenous food habits among the Lepchas which shares the connection with nature and culture. The transformation of wild products into cooked food among the Lepchas which is influenced by the environment regards the food habits of the Lepchas.