Worshipper's dilemma

The ban on alcohol in Bihar has had an unintended effect - it is keeping worshippers away from some temples, where liquor is a traditional offering. Many Hindu temples in the state have reported a drop in the number of visitors after alcohol shops were forced to shut down.

According to tradition, devotees in some temples used to offer alcohol to the deity - they poured some of it on the idol and took home the rest or distributed it among other devotees. Alcohol was offered on special occasions, though some particularly devout worshippers were known to offer alcohol on a daily basis.