Authors : Rupendra Sahu; Dr. Jyoti Sahu

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr634

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Abstract : The Birhor tribe, one of the five Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in Chhattisgarh, faces severe nutritional and health challenges as they transition from a nomadic hunting-gathering lifestyle to a settled existence. This paper examines the interplay between their traditional food habits, cultural beliefs, and contemporary health outcomes in the Bilaspur district. Findings reveal a diet heavily reliant on forest products and government-distributed rice, alongside high rates of malnutrition and a persistent reliance on traditional healing practices. From a holistic perspective, health encompasses people's physical, mental, and social well-being, not just the absence of disease. Family members are thought to benefit socially, psychologically, and physically from these spirits. Due to their isolation in pristine natural environments, far from civilisation, and the preservation of their traditional values, customs, beliefs, remoteness, and mythology, primitive tribal groups have extremely poor health. Additionally, the Birhor tribe in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, has several genetic anomalies and health issues. Malaria, TB, influenza, diarrhoea, high infant mortality, and malnutrition are constant problems for them. Calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, protein, and other nutrients are typically severely lacking in tribal diets. The Birhor tribe think that illness is always brought on by evil spirits or ghosts who violate certain taboos. To appease supernatural forces, people turn to magico-religious practices for healing. Lack of access to clean food, safe drinking water, regular diets, and protection from the sun, cold, and rainy season. Inadequate medical facilities and a lack of health knowledge have exacerbated their problems. They use native medicines to treat the illness. because of Birhor's health issues. The rate of maternal and infant mortality has gone up.

Keywords : Food Habits, Food Consumption, Health, Birhor Tribes, Socio-Cultural

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