Food

The hidden valley

Our photographer Vikas Choudhary captures the breathtaking landscape of Apatani valley nestled in the midst of wooded hills in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. His photographs capture the unique culture of the Apatanis and the stunning beauty of their surroundings.

DTE Staff
An Apatani woman walks in the lush green paddy fields. The Apatanis are well-known for their wet rice cultivation. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
A woman weaves a traditional skirt called gale at her house.Credit: Vikas Choudhary
A view of the interiors of an Apatani home made of bamboo and wood. Hanging from the ceiling are corncobs, which are are commonly found in kitchens. They are used as seeds as well as food. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
A man catches fish from a bund or irrigation channel adjoining a paddy field. He is armed with a bamboo funnel, known locally as takhung, to keep his catch. There is an extensive network of canals to bring water to the fields. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
Three generations of a family tend a paddy field. The Apatanis’ traditional agro-ecosystem is highly efficient. These people use no fertilisers, animals or machines and rely on manual, community labour. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
Fresh fish catch is put in a bamboo funnel. Bamboo is an essential part of Apatani life and is used for fencing, flooring and also as firewood. It is also a part of their cuisine. Integration agriculture such as rearing fish in paddy fields is a common sight. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
A man walks past a demarcated pine forest with a bunch of Colocasia leaves, which serves as pig feed. The roots are relished by the people. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
Women await customers at a vegetable stall. The Apatanis grow a wide array of food—right from pumpkins to chillis. They are also trying out horticulture with kiwis being grown in orchards for markets beyond the Apatani valley. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
A typical Apatani lunch comprises fish and pumpkin leaves baked in a bamboo pipe, fried silkworms, boiled bamboo shoots and soya sauce. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
Youths drink rice beer from hollow bamboo sticks, which serve as glasses The Apatanis prepare two types of beer—white opiooh and the colourless siira. Credit: Vikas Choudhary
A man cuts bamboo stems in a forest. Bamboo is used in construction of houses and for making handicrafts. Credit: Vikas Choudhary