The Institute of Hotel Management Ranchi marked World Tribal Day 2026 by hosting the 8th Jharkhand Cookery League, bringing together culinary talent from across India to celebrate indigenous food traditions, local ingredients and tribal culinary heritage.
The competition attracted 32 participants from Jharkhand, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Raipur, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal. Following preliminary rounds evaluating taste, originality, hygiene, presentation and authenticity, 17 finalistsfrom institutions including IHM Ranchi, IHM Mumbai, IHM Hyderabad, IHM Hamirpur, IHM Raipur, CAI Hyderabad, DAV Model School Dhanbad and Tata Steel Foundation advanced to the finals.
Contestants presented a range of traditional and contemporary tribal dishes such as Bamboo Chicken, Rugda Biryani, Patra Pitha, Gundli Ki Kheer, Bakra Solai, Chicken Axone with King Chilli, Jungli Chicken with Mahua Chutneyand Prawn Thali, highlighting the diversity of India’s indigenous food heritage.
The competition was judged by Chef Subyendu Roy, Chef Vijay Prabhat Srivastava and Dr Manisha Oraon, while Ranchi Mayor Roshni Khalkho attended as chief guest.
Shirish Supratik of IHM Hyderabad won the competition, receiving a cash prize of ₹10,000. Chavan Tanish Mahesh of IHM Mumbai secured second place, while M. Surya of CAI Hyderabad finished third.
Speaking at the event, Khalkho praised IHM Ranchi for creating a platform to promote Jharkhand’s traditional cuisine and cultural heritage. She emphasised the importance of preserving indigenous food practices, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods while encouraging youth to become ambassadors of tribal culture.
Dr Bhupesh Kumar, Principal, IHM Ranchi, said the institute has been actively working to bring Jharkhand’s traditional cuisine into the hospitality mainstream, noting that several indigenous dishes are increasingly finding a place on menus at premium hotels. He also highlighted the institute’s research initiatives, including the recent copyright certification for Madua Ladoo, and reiterated IHM Ranchi’s commitment to preserving regional culinary traditions through education and innovation.
The event concluded with a cultural performance by Dhukudiya Natya Manch, celebrating Jharkhand’s tribal art, music and traditions, underscoring the close relationship between food, culture and community.
