In a groundbreaking initiative, the traditional food diversity of the Gutti Koya tribe was celebrated at a food festival held in Ramachandrapuram, an Internally Displaced People (IDP) habitation in the Chintoor agency. Organized by the Jana Vikas Society (JVS), the event featured 51 women from the Ramachandrapuram habitation presenting 51 authentic Gutti Koya delicacies prepared using forest-sourced ingredients.
Noteworthy non-vegetarian delicacies included red ants pickle, ants sambar, and fish fry. The festival aimed to highlight the traditional recipes passed down through generations, emphasizing the unique food sources and culinary practices of the Gutti Koya tribe.
The IDPs, who migrated from naxal-hit Chhattisgarh to settle in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha borders, showcased their rich food diversity and shared knowledge about uncultivated natural resources integral to their diet. The event served as a platform for preserving and promoting Gutti Koya’s culinary heritage.