Is it okay to drink alcohol at Diwali or Holi parties?

mainstream tradition keeps alcohol away from worship and festival rituals; what adults do socially is a personal choice, best kept apart from the sacred.

Most Hindu texts and family traditions treat intoxicants as tāmasic, clouding the mind and weakening self-control, and the Dharmaśāstras list drinking among serious faults. For that reason alcohol is never offered in household pūjā, and the festival day itself is meant for prayer, family and sweets.

Modern parties, especially at work or abroad, sometimes include drinks. Many Hindus simply do not drink; others drink moderately at social events. The respectful middle path many families follow is: no alcohol near the mandir, during the pūjā, or before driving; never pressure anyone; and do not let a festival become an excuse for excess, gambling or unsafe behaviour.

If you host, offer good non-alcoholic drinks such as thandai without bhāṅg, lassi or sherbet, so that elders, children and non-drinkers feel fully included.

Source: Dharmaśāstra and sāttvic food tradition · Safety: never drink and drive

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