Significance
Maibra Jou Bidwi is the traditional rice beer of the Bodo community, brewed from the special glutinous rice “Maibra”. Sweet as honey with a strong flavour, it is used in cultural festivals and religious rituals and served as a welcome drink, carrying social status and prestige.
History & Cultural Context
The Bodo people have prepared rice beer for thousands of years, transferring the knowledge from generation to generation. Rice is the staple food of the Bodos, and Jou (rice beer) has equivalents across North-East India — Apong among the Mishing, Xaaj among the Ahom, and so on. Elders relax by consuming it after their daily chores.
Process & Techniques
The Maibra rice is half-cooked, spread on a bamboo “songrai” and cooled under banana leaves. Powdered Amao is sprinkled over it (about 1:1 kg of rice) and left 1–2 days, then transferred to an earthen pot “Maldang” with a conical bamboo sieve “Janta”, sealed with banana leaves and cloth. After 5–7 days a dark brownish-red juice forms, but it is harvested after 3 months to a year or more for better taste.
Traditional Knowledge
Fermentation using Amao — whose herbal plants carry medicinal and nutritional value — is an age-old preservation method. Leaves of Rukji (Cyclosorus extensus) cover the starter cake to prevent contamination, and old Amao is added to new to keep the culture unique. Kept long in the pitcher, the beer’s taste and flavour become like honey.
GI Registration Details
GI Number
GI 650
Application No.
650
Class
Class 32
Filing Date
29 August 2022
Registration Date
October 2024
Registered Applicant
Bodo Traditional Brewer's Association
Facilitated By
Bodo Culture and Heritage Preservation Board (BCHPB)
Geographic Origin
Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Assam
Verification Status: VERIFIED
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