The gewog administration of Dechenling in Pemagatshel is taking a firm step towards healthier and more sustainable options by phasing out alcohol from funeral rites and religious ceremonies. In a society where alcohol has long been embedded in cultural practices, such a shift is significant. The initiative, backed by community leaders, reflects a courageous commitment to tackling the physical, social, and financial harms associated with alcohol consumption.

This new policy, introduced after appeals from both community representatives and the public, goes beyond mere words. A community committee has been formed, and a fine of Nu 20,000 is now in place for those who defy the ban. By also eliminating meat during annual rituals, Dechenling has shown a broader push toward mindful and health-conscious ceremonies. These measures address growing concerns over the toll that excessive consumption can take, not just on individual health but also on social harmony.

Dechenling Gup Jinpa Phuntsho captures the shift in mindset, noting how people are beginning to see the disconnect between traditional values of reverence in rites and the excessive alcohol that often accompanies them. For many Bhutanese families, rituals such as the seven-day and 21-day ceremonies for the deceased are both deeply sacred and financially burdensome. Alcohol has traditionally been an essential part of these gatherings, with families often spending anywhere between 30 to 80 cartons of beer. In extreme cases, expenditures have reached up to Nu 100,000—a sum that, for many households, leads to significant debt or economic strain.

This reform is not merely about saving cost; it is also a profound health intervention. Alcohol-related liver diseases are currently the leading cause of death in the country. While 146 alcohol-induced liver disease deaths were reported in 2022, the number saw only a modest reduction to 129 in 2023, according to the latest Annual Health Bulletin. The persistence of such a high death rate points to a silent epidemic that has long gone unaddressed. Dechenling’s alcohol restriction at ceremonies could set a powerful precedent in mitigating this grave issue.

It’s worth reflecting on what this change truly represents for Bhutan. Alcohol has been part of traditional gatherings across generations, a gesture of hospitality and communal bonding. However, this “hospitality” has evolved into a public health hazard. The move by Dechenling’s administration signals that Bhutan is not bound by the past but is instead open to evolving customs for a healthier future.

The significance of initiative extends beyond Pemagatshel. If similar measures are adopted in other gewogs, they could collectively redefine how our communities honour their loved ones and practice their faith.

In a country where religious rites and rituals are integral to community life, this bold decision could be the beginning of a much-needed cultural evolution. Ending alcohol’s role in these ceremonies is a declaration that we value our people’s health and well-being above dated customs.