From Ritual to Risk: Rethinking Alcohol Use in Sikkim

Ms. PRANITA SHARMA Assistant Professor (PhD Scholar) Dept. of Community Health Nursing Sikkim Manip

In Sikkim, a drink is almost never just a drink. For generations, people have served chang, Tongba, and Raksi to guests, shared them during festivals, and used them in rituals. They stand for warmth, respect, and community in many homes.

But today, the meaning of alcohol is changing slowly and quietly.

During my fieldwork and ongoing research on women's drinking in Sikkim, I have seen a change that many people don't notice. What used to happen only sometimes and was guided by culture is now happening more often, with fewer rules, and is more connected to stress and changing lifestyles.

In the past, people only drank alcohol in certain places. It was social, easy to see, and kept in check by the rules of the community itself. It was not common to drink alone or too much, and it was often not encouraged. In that way, culture itself was a way to stay safe.

But these lines are starting to blur as cities grow, alcohol becomes easily accessible, and social roles tend to change, especially for women and young people.

These days, alcohol isn't just for parties or festivals. It has become a part of daily life for some people, especially young and potentially productive age groups. For younger people, it is often connected to modern identity, being accepted by peers, and having social freedom. Alcohol may also help women deal with stress, loneliness, or emotional pain, which are things that people don't often talk about.

This is where the shift becomes concerning.

Not the tradition itself, but how it is used is the problem. When drinking starts to hurt health, relationships, or daily tasks, it goes from being a cultural thing to a health risk. Studies on health show that women are more likely than men to be affected by alcohol, potentially because of biological differences; women can have liver issues, mental health issues, and other problems even when they drink less than men. But a lot of women don't ask for help.

Stigma is a very strong force. Men may be socially accepted for drinking, but women often face judgment and silence. Because of this, bad drinking habits stay hidden until they cause serious problems to the individual, family, and community at large.

Another concerning trend is the move away from drinking with friends and towards drinking alone or with fewer people. In the past, people would drink together and watch each other, but in modern times, drinking patterns can go unnoticed, making it hard to step in early.
So, where do we draw the line?

The answer may not be to reject tradition but to learn more about it. Cultural practices were never meant to hurt people. Balance, moderation, and community responsibility were the values that guided their construction. These values are still important today.

We need to start talking openly about responsible alcohol use with our families, communities, and institutions. Young people need to be aware, not just limited. Women need safe places to go and trustworthy people to help them, not shame. Health workers and community leaders can help people find help by spotting early signs of risk.

Sikkim is at a very important point in its history. It has a strong cultural heritage, but it also has to deal with the stress of social change happening quickly. It's important to know the difference between celebrating and being dependent.

It is time to stop, think, and redraw the line when a tradition starts to hurt the people it was meant to bring together.