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Is ‘toddy’ really a panacea or a slow killing intoxication?
Sandy Verma | May 31, 2025 10:24 AM CST

Highlights

  • Palm wine The medicinal properties of this have established it as both medicine and intoxication in Barkagaon.
  • The toddy taken before sunrise relieves the body from many diseases.
  • Noon after noon Palm wine The trend of intoxication is seen in which it is also considered an alternative to liquor.
  • Women, children and the elderly all do the consumption of morning toddy, causing its popularity to increase continuously.
  • Toddy production has made many rural families self -sufficient, especially the people of Pansi society are associated with this business.

Palm wine: Important part of the traditional lifestyle of Barkagaon

Barkagaon, Hazaribagh – A traditional beverage in Barkagaon block of Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand is in discussion these days – Palm wineWhich is called “toddy” in the local language. It is not only unique in taste but due to its medicinal properties, it has become an integral part of rural life.

While morning toddy is considered a natural medicine, the toddy after noon creates a light intoxication, which has created a socio-economic activity more than a local drink.

Toddy before sunrise: panacea drug

Body beneficial

Vaidya Arun Kumar of Barkagaon says that morning Palm wine There are plenty of vitamins A, B and C. Its regular intake increases eye light, strengthens bones and improves immunity. Especially in the problem of jaundice, abdominal pain, constipation and weight, this natural drink proves effective.

After noon Palm wine: Drugs or tradition?

Change in taste and bearing

The taste of the morning toddy is sweet and fresh, while this is the afternoon Palm wine Sour and becomes intoxicating. This is why many villagers consider it an alternative to alcohol, and it is advisable to drink it with restraint in the afternoon.

All -aged favorite drinks

First choice of women, children and the elderly

In Barkagaon Palm wine It is not limited to men only. Due to its medicinal properties, women, children and elderly also consume it. This view can be easily seen in toddy bases, where in the morning, people drink toddy of ax.

Toddy Production: The backbone of rural economy

Story of self -sufficiency

In areas such as Barkagaon, Jhariva, Langatu, Chorka, Pandaria, Khairatri, Laukura, Chandaul, Pundol and Keredari’s Patra and Pagar Palm wine There is widespread production. People of Pansi caste are particularly associated with this business and this is providing livelihood of hundreds of families.

Price and sale

The price of toddy is Rs 20 to 40 per kulhar, which is in the reach of the common man. Its bases are crowded in the morning and evening, which is a proof of its popularity and demand.

How to make Palm wine,

Juice drainage process from dates

Local toddy producers Surendra Chaudhary and Sarju Chaudhary explain that the bark near the palm tree branch is lightly peeled with a knife and hung an earthen pot there. The juice released from the tree accumulates overnight in that vessel. This fresh juice in the morning ‘Palm wine‘By becoming a protector of people’s health.

Medicinal benefits of toddy

Scientific and Ayurvedic approach

  • Vitamin A – Beneficial for eyes
  • Vitamin B – Strengthens the digestive system
  • vitamin C – Increases immunity
  • Mineral – Helps in controlling bones and controlling blood pressure
  • Natural sugar – Medium quantity energy boosters

Opinion of experts

Ayurveda specialist Dr. Neelamani Pathak of Ranchi says that Palm wine If restraint and consumed in the morning, it acts like a medicine. But keeping in mind the trend of drugs, it should be avoided after noon.

Challenges and social approaches

Although Palm wine Has strengthened the rural economy, but the drug addiction has also dragged it into social controversies. Many times mutual clashes of drunk villagers have also been seen. Therefore, restraint and awareness on it is very important.

Administration and policy

At present, the business of toddy has not received legal recognition, but its social acceptance is so much that the administration cannot ignore it. From the point of view of rural development Palm wine There is a need to make business organized and safe.

Palm wine Not only is the cultural identity of Barkagaon, but it has also become a symbol of rural lifestyle, health and self -reliance. If its intake and production is well planned, it can become a model for the whole of Jharkhand.


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