Celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti Through Food: Regional Dishes With A Story Of Resistance

In these ways, each regional dish tells a story of defiance, survival, and unity — just as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s life and work continue to inspire movements for social justice today. Let us celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti with food that tells the story of resistance, resilience, and hope.

Image credit: Freepik

Ambedkar Jayanti, observed on April 14th, marks the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a towering figure in Indian history who fought relentlessly for social justice, equality, and the rights of the oppressed. As one of the most influential leaders in the struggle against untouchability, caste discrimination, and social inequality, Ambedkar’s legacy is celebrated across India by millions, especially those who identify with the Dalit community, the marginalized, and those who have benefited from the transformative policies he championed.

While Ambedkar's contributions to the legal, political, and social landscape of India are profound, his influence also extends to cultural practices, including food. Food, often seen as a reflection of regional culture, can also symbolize protest, resilience, and defiance against oppression. This Ambedkar Jayanti, it is time to reflect on how food traditions — especially regional dishes associated with marginalized communities — serve as symbols of resistance and resilience.

Ambedkar and Food: A Symbol of Resistance
Dr. Ambedkar believed in the transformative power of education, law, and self-respect, but he also emphasized the importance of reclaiming dignity in all aspects of life, including food. For centuries, Dalits were forced to eat foods that were considered "impure" by upper-caste standards, often relegated to consuming scraps, leftovers, or foods that others would discard. In some cases, the very act of eating certain foods was a statement of defiance against the caste-based social order. Ambedkar's call to break free from caste restrictions included a cultural revolution that embraced food as a means to challenge and redefine identity.

Regional Dishes with a Story of Resistance
Across India, certain foods have emerged not just as culinary traditions but also as symbols of resistance. These regional dishes, enjoyed during Ambedkar Jayanti and beyond, carry with them stories of struggle and assertion of rights.

1. Baba Saheb’s Favourite: Bharli Vangi (Stuffed Eggplant) - Maharashtra
In Maharashtra, where Dr. Ambedkar was born, Bharli Vangi (stuffed eggplant) is a popular dish among the Dalit communities, particularly those who were traditionally involved in farming and agriculture. The dish involves stuffing small eggplants with a rich mixture of spices, peanuts, and coconut. It’s a dish that carries within it the essence of hard work and resilience — just like Ambedkar’s journey.

For Ambedkarites, Bharli Vangi is not just a meal; it is a reminder of the need to break free from traditional caste-based culinary practices. This dish, often cooked in Dalit households, reflects the wisdom and culinary ingenuity that arose out of necessity and resistance against oppression. It’s a proud statement of cultural self-reliance.

2. Ambedkar’s Connection to the Sambhar - Tamil Nadu
In South India, Sambhar is more than just a lentil-based stew with vegetables — it is a dish that has been widely adopted across all castes and communities. However, for the Dalit community in Tamil Nadu, Sambhar holds a deeper connection. It was one of the foods that Ambedkar and his followers embraced to symbolize their rejection of caste-based food taboos.

The use of tamarind, a tangy fruit once considered “impure” by the upper castes, and the mix of vegetables from diverse sources, was seen as an assertion of freedom. Over time, Sambhar came to represent unity among various marginalized communities. It’s a food that transcends barriers, making it a fitting tribute on Ambedkar Jayanti.

3. Sattu Paratha - Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
Sattoo Paratha, a flatbread stuffed with roasted gram flour and spices, is a favorite in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. This humble yet nutritious dish was traditionally prepared by Dalit families, particularly those involved in manual labor and agricultural work. Sattu is known for being high in protein and is a food of the working class, offering sustenance to those who labor in the fields.

Dr. Ambedkar often emphasized self-sufficiency and the importance of empowering the oppressed to stand on their own feet. In this context, Sattu Paratha represents not just the resilience of Dalit communities but also their capacity to feed themselves with dignity, regardless of the historical oppression they endured.

4. Khichdi - A Symbol of Unity and Resistance
Across India, Khichdi (a mixture of rice and lentils) is a universal comfort food. However, for Dalits, especially in rural areas, Khichdi symbolizes resistance to caste-based food hierarchy. Historically, upper-caste communities would refuse to eat with or even touch the utensils used by Dalits. In response, Dalits embraced the concept of Khichdi — a simple, nutritious meal that could be shared with all, breaking caste boundaries.

In many ways, Khichdi became a meal that united diverse communities. It holds a special place in Ambedkarite celebrations, particularly on Ambedkar Jayanti, because it represents the ideals of social harmony, shared community, and mutual respect.

5. Pakhala Bhata - Odisha
In the state of Odisha, Pakhala Bhata (fermented rice with curd and water) is a dish commonly consumed by various castes. However, in Ambedkarite discourse, Pakhala Bhata has grown to symbolize resilience and unity. For the Dalit communities in Odisha, this dish serves as a way to celebrate their cultural identity while rejecting caste-based food restrictions.

The act of preparing Pakhala Bhata with ingredients that are simple yet nourishing reflects Ambedkar’s belief in humility, equality, and rejecting elitism in every form — including in food. It's a dish that’s traditionally eaten during the summer months, often in a communal setting, making it a perfect choice for a collective Ambedkar Jayanti celebration.

Ambedkar Jayanti: A Time for Reflection
As we celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti, it is important to recognize how food has been an integral part of Dr. Ambedkar’s movement for social justice. The dishes mentioned here are not just a way of honoring his legacy but also an act of reclaiming dignity, asserting identity, and celebrating the unity of all people, irrespective of caste, creed, or background.

For many Dalit communities, these foods serve as daily reminders of their resistance against caste oppression and their ongoing struggle for equality. This Ambedkar Jayanti, as we gather to reflect on his life and work, let us also remember that food is not just about sustenance, but about freedom, dignity, and equality — values that Ambedkar tirelessly fought for.

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