Neten Dorji
Pemagatshel—Dechenling gewog administration in Pemagatshel is transforming long-standing local customs of serving alcohol, including locally brewed ara, with healthier alternatives like tea and juice during funeral rites and religious ceremonies.
This decision, initiated by local leaders and community members, aims to foster healthier practices and do away with the tradition of serving alcohol at community gatherings.
Following an appeal from tshogpas and the public in June, a gewog-level committee was formed to launch a programme focused on curbing alcohol consumption and the commercial brewing of alcohol in the community.
The gewog Tshogde passed a resolution, introducing a fine of Nu 20,000 for non-compliance, in consultation with the people. The Tshogde also banned serving of meat during annual rituals.
Dechenling Gup, Jinpa Phuntsho, said that decision was made with the consensus of the people. “Many people now believe that offering large quantities of alcohol is inappropriate during funeral rites and religious events.”
In the past, villagers would buy anywhere from 30 to 80 cartons of beer, with expenses even reaching Nu 100,000, for funerals and rituals, including the seven-day and 21-day rituals. This led to financial strain and disputes during the mourning period.
“This initiative not only promotes healthier gatherings but also encourages people to explore alternatives like juice,” Jinpa Phuntsho said. “While some may not be happy about the initiative, many have given positive feedback.”
Yeshi Zangpo, Secretary of Dudjom Tersarling Choetshog, said that disadvantaged people often faced challenges in offering alcohol during funerals and religious events. “The consumption of alcohol during rituals has been a concern, and this initiative has been embraced positively across all six chiwogs in the gewog,” he said.
While some worry about the costs associated with the transition, community members have found that doing away with alcohol and meat is actually beneficial.
“If we calculate it, we used to spend at least Nu 75,000 for these items. Now, we have shifted to healthier options, and it’s beneficial,” Rinchen, a local resident said.
Another resident, Nyen Zang, 39, said that this led to a cut-down in alcohol production and consumption. “And we have done this without undermining our tradition. People who were once heavy drinkers are today seen to reduce drinking.”
The gup said that the health ministry’s awareness programmes on harmful effects of alcohol did not reduce alcohol consumption due its significant cultural role. “Alcohol consumption rate in the gewog has reduced since the implementation of the action plan,” the gup said.
Officiating Chief Medical Officer of Pemagatshel dzongkhag hospital, Lhachey Dema, said that at least three to five patients with alcohol disorders are admitted at the hospital weekly.
“We refer serious patients to the referral hospital at least once a month,” Dr. Lhachey Dema said. “Since March, we have seen four deaths linked to alcoholic liver disease.”
According to the National Health Survey 2023, around 53.7 percent of the population in Pemagatshel was identified as current drinkers, up from 22.1 percent the previous year. Pemagatshel Dzongkhag was ranked second in alcohol consumption in the country, following closely behind Lhuentse Dzongkhag, which ranked first.
Alcohol-related liver diseases (ALD) is the leading cause of death in the country. In 2022, 146 ALD-related deaths were reported, followed by a slight decrease to 129 in 2023, according to the Annual Health Bulletin 2024.