Washing down pain with some raksi

Sikuma Rai’s latest documentary ‘Come over for a drink, Kanchi’ is an earnest and empathetic attempt to tell the stories of women for whom alcohol is a friend in trying times.

There’s a sense of uneasiness I feel whenever there is a discourse around alcohol consumption. Growing up in a Newa family, alcohol has always been an integral part of my culture and traditions. The same goes for many other indigenous culture groups, where consuming alcohol isn’t only normal but also a cultural tool that ties the community to their rituals.