Today I experienced something incredibly special—making Apong, the traditional rice beer of the Mising tribe in Majuli, Assam. Apong is made using a centuries-old fermentation process that reflects the deep cultural knowledge of the community. In this community, you can’t even hold a puja without Apong. It’s poured at weddings, births, harvests, and even funerals. If there’s a gathering, there’s Apong. It’s considered sacred—symbolic of blessings, community, and the deep bond between people and