Apo (drink)

Apo, apong is an alcohol drink prepared by fermentation of rice, commonly found among the Tani tribes in the Northeast India states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Traditionally, there are two types of apo; Nogin apong and Poro apong. It is known by various names across different tribes in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is commonly produced in households of northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India. Although distinctive methods for brewing exist, the process of fermentation remains the same across these regions, inidicating common origins of brewing.

Many tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh use apo during their respective festivals, such as nyokum. The tribal people offer the drink, every time they drink it, to the spirits (wiyu) by letting a few drops of it fall on the ground. Other occasions when Apo is served include annually organized ancestor worship ceremonies, the festivals of Ali aye ligang, Nyokum, Dree, and others, and annual agricultural programs.

Apo is known in different names across different tribes in North-Eastern India, such as haaz (Ahom), apong (Mising), zou (zu mai) (Bodo) and Sujen (Deori). Apo is not distributed in shops, as apo forms part of a tradition and culture, the apo is shared through generations like a piece of cultural knowledge. Apos are commonly brewed in households and often served along with rice and chutney as well, irrespective of gender or age differences.