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Alcohol Consumption India: The drinking culture of India has its own regional variability, and all credit goes to its rich diversity, which includes numerous religions, cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. The local culture, tribal practices, and social tolerance greatly influence alcohol consumption in India. Here, the national alcohol consumption averages continue to be low; however, some states have exceptionally high levels of alcohol consumption, especially among males, due to local customs where traditional beers and ritual drinking are part of regular life and communal celebrations. Here’s a list of the top 10 Indian states that drink the most alcohol, along with men and women consumers, according to the NFHS (National Family Health Survey-5). 

List Of The Top 10 Indian States That Drink The Most Alcohol: 

Rank State Women (%) Men (%)
1 Arunachal Pradesh  24.2 52.7
2 Telangana 6.7 43.3
3 Sikkim 16.2 39.8
4 Goa 5.5 36.9
5 Manipur 0.9 37.5
6 Jharkhand 6.1 35.0
7 Chhattisgarh 5.0 34.8
8 Tripura 6.2 33.1
9 Himachal Pradesh 0.6 31.9
10 Meghalaya 1.5 32.4

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Arunachal Pradesh

People of Arunachal Pradesh drink the most alcohol, including both the men and women populations. Alcohol is a key aspect of their tribal culture. Additionally, Traditional drinks like apong (rice beer), opo, and madua are very popular among regular local drinkers at ceremonies, rituals, and social events. In this eastern state, each tribe have its own brewing technique and the gesture of serving alcohol for welcome to showcase hospitality, also highlights their drinking culture.

Telangana

Telangana is the second-largest state in alcohol consumption, particularly among males. Drinking is common during festivities and parties, and easy access to local liquors and branded bottles is one of the main factors for the high drinking ranking.  Rural parts of the state experience higher consumption of alcohol, due to cultural influences and local traditions.

Sikkim

Sikkim's alcohol culture is also about popular homemade drinks like chhaang (millet beer) and tongba. Alcohol is an important part of religious rituals, festivals, and daily life, with widespread social approval for men and women to consume alcohol.

Goa

Goa is widely famous for its open approach to alcohol, thanks to the lively tourism sector and nightlife. Alcohol here is cheap and easily available, which makes it easy for locals and visitors to indulge in social drinking. Local liquor like feni, beer, and wine are particularly popular.

Assam

Assam enjoys a long history of alcohol drinking, especially in its tribal communities. Apong and other rice beers are focal points in ceremonies and celebrations. Although these indigenous brews are most prevalent among indigenous groups, alcohol is also a part of social gatherings here.

Jharkhand

Jharkhand's tribal people are used to old practices of locally brewed and consumed alcohol, all at social events, festivals, and rituals. Homemade brews are sold and brewed by women, which means that alcohol is both a cultural and an economic staple.

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Chhattisgarh

Alcohol is common in Chhattisgarh, particularly in tribal and rural communities. Traditional brews are consumed in the context of celebrations and rituals, and social acceptance is great. The state's drinking culture has strong links to the traditions of its indigenous groups.

Tripura

Tripura's mixed tribal population has a long history of producing rice beer and other local beverages, which are consumed at social functions and ceremonies. Drinking alcohol is acceptable in many societies, representing deeply ingrained traditions.

Himachal Pradesh

In Himachal Pradesh, alcohol is normally consumed in festivities and public gatherings, especially in rural and hill regions. Lugdi and chhaang are popular local brews, and alcohol culture is integrated into the social traditions of the state.

Manipur

Manipur also has a rich cultural heritage of home-brewed liquor, which is used in religious as well as social ceremonies. Despite restrictions being imposed from time to time, local brews are always in demand, particularly among males, and hold great significance within the state's social tapestry.

These statistics of the top 10 Indian states that consume the most alcohol highlight that the practice of alcohol in India is more of an outcome of local practices, communal identity, and social behaviour and purely a personal choice.