India is the third-largest market in the world for alcoholic beverages—after China and Russia—and its consumption is growing at a faster rate than ever before. However, alcohol has always been at the center of debates, influenced by cultural, religious, and regional factors. In certain parts of India, alcohol consumption is a lifestyle practiced by the upper class, while in others, it remains a taboo and a means to cope with stress. As access to alcohol becomes easier and cheaper, more people are turning towards it. Women, who have long been oppressed by societal norms, are breaking free to make their own choices, including consuming alcohol. The patterns of alcohol consumption vary from state to state, mostly influenced by geographical context. In some states, women have taken to this habit more than in other states. Let’s take a look at the top seven states where women consume the most alcohol, based on data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), 2019-20.
