8 Indian states where women drink the most alcohol

In terms of beverages, Indians mostly gravitate towards alcohol. From Gen X and Millennials to Gen Z, every adult male and female has once tried alcohol and some are constant consumers of it. However, did you know that there are some states where women consume more alcohol than men? According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted for 2019-2021, these states have the highest percentage of women who drink alcohol.This trend challenges long-standing stereotypes about alcohol being predominantly a male preference in India. Factors like regional culture, social acceptance, tribal traditions, and changing lifestyles have contributed to this shift. In some tribal-dominated states, local brews form a part of daily life and social rituals, making alcohol consumption more gender-inclusive. Urbanisation and greater economic independence have also played a role, especially among younger women in metropolitan regions. Additionally, rising stress levels, exposure to global trends, and shifting norms around gender roles have normalized alcohol use among women across various demographics. This evolving pattern reflects not just changing tastes, but also broader societal transformations underway in India.

The state where the largest percentage of women consume alcohol is Arunachal Pradesh. 24.2% of women in the state consume alcohol. This can be attributed to the state's culture that promotes alcohol consumption. The custom of offering "apong", rice beer to guests, is a common practice in the region.

The state where the second-largest percentage of women consume alcohol is Sikkim. 16.2% of women in Sikkim consume alcohol, and the state itself is known for its household liquor production. Its most famous beverage is Chhaang, a fermented millet beer. Chhaang is traditionally brewed at home and consumed during festivals, social gatherings, and religious ceremonies. It holds cultural and social importance among the indigenous communities, particularly the Lepchas, Bhutias, and Nepalis. The drink is often served warm, especially in colder months, and is believed to have health benefits. Sikkim's liberal approach to alcohol reflects its unique traditions and close-knit community life.

In Assam, 7.3% of women consume alcohol. The state's tribal communities have a long-time tradition of brewing and consuming alcohol. Whiskey is the most famous alcoholic beverage here.

This elevated rate is influenced by cultural practices, particularly among tribal communities in Assam.

6.7% of women in Telangana love drinking alcohol, thus making it the fourth state on the list. Here, alcohol consumption is higher in rural areas than in urban areas, with the most popular choices being whisky and beer.

In Jharkhand, 6.1% of women consume alcohol. According to a study published in the Journal of Adivasi and Indigenous Studies, this is mostly common in marginalised tribal areas, where a lack of opportunities drives people towards alcohol addiction, particularly women towards alcohol sales.

5.0% of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands consume alcohol. The islands have a variety of local beverages such as Handia, Toddy and Jungli.

In Chhattisgarh, 4.9% of women drink alcohol. Here, whisky and vodka are the most common choices, and people tend to drink because of cultural norms and individual choices.