Odisha Family Ostracized Over Liquor in Last Rites

In a village in Odisha, a family is being shunned because they didn't serve traditional rice beer ('handia') at a meal after a family member's death.

The family chose not to serve it because the deceased father struggled with alcohol.

Now, the villagers are not letting them get water, groceries, or even work.

The police are trying to help, but the villagers have to work it out amongst themselves.

The priest of the community says serving 'handia' is a custom, not a strict rule, and it is up to the family.