IHM Ranchi Organises 8th Jharkhand Cookery League to Showcase Tribal Culinary Heritage

Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Ranchi, organised the 8th edition of the Jharkhand Cookery League on the occasion of World Tribal Day 2026, bringing together the rich culinary traditions, indigenous ingredients and cultural heritage of tribal communities from across India. The event witnessed participation from 32 contestants representing Jharkhand, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Raipur, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal and other parts of the country. In the preliminary round, participants were evaluated on taste, culinary skills, originality, hygiene, presentation and authenticity of traditional recipes. Following the assessment, 17 contestants from institutions including IHM Ranchi, IHM Mumbai, IHM Hyderabad, IHM Hamirpur, IHM Raipur, CAI Hyderabad, DAV Model School Dhanbad and Tata Steel Foundation qualified for the final round. The finalists showcased a diverse range of traditional and innovative dishes, including Bamboo Chicken, Patra Pitha, Rugda Biryani, Gundli Ki Kheer, Bakra Solai, Chicken Axone with King Chilli, Sarai Puto Khukra, Prawn Thali, Ukda Tandula Chi Kheer, Jungli Chicken with Mahua Chutney, Sobai Jong Dao and Chicken Letto with Coriander-Tomato Chutney. The dishes highlighted the diversity of India's indigenous food traditions and demonstrated how traditional recipes can be presented creatively while retaining their cultural essence.

The event was graced with Ms. Roshni Khalkho, Ranchi Municipal Corporation Mayor as the chief guest and competition was adjudicated by Chef Subyendu Roy, Chef Vijay Prabhat Srivastava and Dr Manisha Oraon. The jury assessed the entries on taste, culinary skills, hygiene, presentation, originality, use of local ingredients and adherence to traditional culinary practices.

Shirish Supratik of IHM Hyderabad emerged as the winner and received ₹10,000 and a certificate. Chavan Tanish Mahesh of IHM Mumbai secured the second position and was awarded ₹7,000 and a certificate, while M. Surya of CAI Hyderabad stood third and received ₹4,000 and a certificate. All finalists were also felicitated for their culinary talent and participation.

The programme concluded with a vibrant cultural performance by Dhukudiya Natya Manch at the IHM Ranchi auditorium, showcasing Jharkhand’s rich tribal art, traditions and close bond with nature. Traditional attire, folk songs, music and dances, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the dhol and mandar, created a lively cultural atmosphere. The performance transformed the culinary celebration into a vibrant confluence of food, culture and tradition, highlighting the deep connection of nature, community, art, music and cuisine in Jharkhand’s tribal heritage.

Ranchi Municipal Corporation Mayor Roshni Khalkho, the chief guest, appreciated IHM Ranchi for providing a platform to promote Jharkhand's traditional cuisine, art and cultural heritage. Extending greetings with a traditional Johar, she urged young people to become ambassadors of Jharkhand's indigenous culture and take its rich traditions to different parts of the country. Ms. Khalkho emphasised the need to preserve traditional food practices, local ingredients and indigenous cooking methods. Referring to the Dhukudiya tradition, she stressed the importance of passing the knowledge and experiences of elders to the younger generation. She also recalled the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, urging the youth to draw inspiration from his contribution and commitment to tribal identity and society.

Dr Bhupesh Kumar, Principal, IHM Ranchi described the event as an important initiative towards preserving and promoting Jharkhand's culinary heritage. He said the institute has been consistently working to bring traditional Jharkhand cuisine into mainstream hospitality and noted that several indigenous dishes are now finding a place in five-star hotels. Dr Kumar also highlighted the nutritional value and He informed that, Madua Ladoo has recently received copyright certification from Govt. of India ad IHM Ranchi is rapidly progressing it’s R&D initiatives global recognition. He reiterated IHM Ranchi's commitment to skill-based education and creating meaningful employment opportunities for its students.

The programme concluded with a vibrant cultural presentation by Dhukumudiya Natya Manch at the IHM Ranchi auditorium. Traditional attire, folk music, dance and the rhythmic beats of the dhol and mandar brought Jharkhand's tribal traditions and its deep connection with nature to life.The 8th Jharkhand Cookery League thus went beyond a culinary competition, emerging as a celebration of food, culture, tradition and identity, while providing a contemporary platform for preserving and promoting India's rich indigenous culinary heritage.