Paper Title
Nutritional Value of Traditional Foods and Consumption Pattern Among the Gopali Community: A Case Study of Kunchhal Village, Nepal

Abstract
This study entitled Nutritional Value of Traditional Foods and Consumption Pattern among the Gopali Community: A Case Study of Kunchhal Village, Nepal has focused to understand and discover the nutritional values of the foods and drinks consumed by Gopali people. Culture is an integral part of people’s lives as it represents their beliefs and ideas and is also the most important social factor that binds people together. It shapes people’s norms and values. It influences the various aspects of human life including language, religion, art, cuisine, and so on. The practices of foods and drinks and their nutritional values are also known as the significant part of culture, therefore, in this research, the researchers have discussed on the dietary habits and cuisine among the Gopali people of Kunchhal village, ward no. 1 of Thaha Municipality, Makawanpur district which includes the foods and drinks consumed in different occasions with different purpose and significance, prepared according to the availability of the resources while also considering the seasonal weather conditions. The research explores the findings about the nutritious cuisine of Gopali people of Kunchhal Village. It presents the nutritional value and the significance associated with the traditional cuisine of Gopali people. Moreover, the study explores the rich culture and cuisine of Gopali people, the influence and popularity it is gaining and its preservation. To conduct the study, the researchers have used qualitative method which includes research design like survey, interview, and focus group discussion. In this study, the researchers have used both primary and secondary data to discover and understand the nutritional importance of traditional cuisine of Gopali culture. Gopali people consume wide varieties of meal like Bajeeor Baji (Beaten Rice), Chatamari(Rice flour crepe), Wo/Hakumari (lentil patty), Dyakula (Buff curry), Chhwela/ Chhoila(Roasted and marinated buff meat), Kachila(raw marinated meat), Taa:kha(frozen jelly-like meat), etc. Alcohol is important in all the rituals and celebrations in Gopali culture and Gopali people prepare different types of traditional alcoholic beverages like Aylā, Thon/Thwon or Chyang (rice beer) with their own traditional method. Gopali people are deeply rooted to their culture and are very serious about their health and nutrition and consume a balanced diet which contains all the essential nutrition like carbohydrates, proteins, sodium, potassium, calcium, fat, dietary fibers, different vitamins like Vitamin A. Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, etc. Gopali community have their own distinguished culture as well as practices and they have been preserving their traditional cuisines which are part of their intangible cultural heritage. Keywords - Cuisine, Culture, Festivals, Gopali Community, Nutrition