Rice beer is a local Naga drink which is popular among all the visitors at the Hornbill Festival, one can see rice beer in all the morung kitchen.The rice beer is prepared and enjoyed at festive seasons.

Rice beer, known locally as zutho was collected in the Kohima district in Nagaland, India, and subjected to analytical and microbiological characterization. Zutho was a whitish porridge-like slurry containing 5.0% (v/v) ethanol. Volatile esters and higher alcohols, such as ethyl acetate and 3-methylbutanol, were detected in this indigenous alcoholic beverage by gas chromatography. The pH and acidity of zutho were 3.6 and 5.1, respectively. Zutho had a fruity aroma and sour taste and its unique aroma had characteristics similar to those of Japanese sake and sprouted rice sake. A fermentation yeast isolated from zutho was identified as being a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and was found to be suitable as the brewing yeast for ethanol fermentation.

Nagaland, 'The Land of Festivals' and the warm Naga people, lies in the North Eastern part of India. Historically, the Nagas are known as headhunters and have always been brave warriors.

Sometimes Nagaland is also referred to as "The Switzerland of the East". The region is primarily hilly and has a pleasant climate all through the year. It is perhaps the best place for the adventurous at heart and makes an ideal place for trekking and camping.

Also known as Paradise on earth. The Dzukou Valley is the most famed valley of Nagaland and the natural beauty of the area is absolutely captivating.

Another attraction for tourists is the Kohima War Cemetery. The cemetery is a tribute to the soldiers who laid down their lives pushing back the Japanese army during the Second World War. The bodies of around 1,100 British and 330 Indian soldiers are buried here.

One of the biggest cathedrals of North East India is located at Aradura Hill in Kohima. Its magnificent architecture makes it an important landmark of Kohima.

The Hornbill Festival is named after the Hornbill, a large, magnificent forest bird.
Held every year at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama about 12 kms from Kohima, the festival is held over a period of 10 days annually. The entire Heritage Village was built for the sole purpose of hosting this festival and the16 tribes of Nagaland each have their own representative hut in the village. Organized by the Govt. of Nagaland, the festival showcases the entire spectrum of the rich culture of the various Naga tribes.
The Hornbill festival was created to bring together the various tribes of the State to display their culture and tradition in the form of dances, songs, sports, foods and many other colorful events. People from within India as well as foreign visitors experience and witness the colorful festival with great enthusiasm.

Delicious, mouth-watering and typically Naga food from the different tribes is served in various huts or morungs. Each Morung also has its own restaurant, which serves their specific tribal delicacy. Rice beer is always in great demand and tourists don't mind standing in long serpentine queues for a taste of the same.


Source :- link.springer.com

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