Desi daru

Desi Daaru (), also known as Desi Sharaab () is a category of liquor made in the countryside of the Indian subcontinent, one of whose variants is tharra. It is traditionally prepared from a procedure that has been passed down for centuries. It is the primary and most popular alcoholic beverage in most of northern India particularly the rural parts. It is fermented and distilled from molasses, a by product of sugarcane. Desi liquor is a broad term and it can include both legally and illegally made local alcohol. The term "desi daru" usually refers to legal alcohol while other types of desi liquor (arrack and palm toddy) may be categorised as moonshine alcohol. It has been consumed in India since ancient times and is known by different names in different parts of the country.
Etymology.
The term "desi", from Hindi language term "desh" (country or region), which is generally an endonym for the "compatriot" or "local" is often applied to food or drink that is considered traditional or native. Dārū (Hindi दारू and Urdu دارو) is a Persian-derived term used for any alcoholic beverage in India. Śarāb (Hindi शराब and Urdu شراب) is another Persian-derived equivalent and is used in some areas with less frequency.
Industry.
An article in the medical journal "The Lancet" estimated that nearly two-thirds of the alcohol consumed in India is desi daru (IMCL - Indian Made commercial Liquor). "Globus spirits" mentioned that India's desi liquor market is about 242 million cases (over 30% of the beverage industry in India) with a growth rate of about 7% per annum. No data regarding Pakistan is available as drinking alcohol is officially prohibited for Muslims in Pakistan, although locally made liquor is sold on the black market.
Social issues.
Illicit illegal desi liquor, being the cheapest alcohol in India, is the mainstay alcoholic beverage for the village population and urban poor. Illicit illegal Desi liquor is less commonly consumed for "social" purposes, it is more commonly consumed for the purpose of quick intoxication.
In rural areas, illicit desi daru has been blamed for domestic violence and poverty in the family. There have been several protests against illegal desi liquor shops/bars in villages. There are usually separate bars for legal desi daru.
Adulterated/premixed Indian liquors.
There have been issues in many bars in India where Scotch/English whisky has been adulterated by mixing some quantity of illicit desi liquor in it before serving it to customers.
Health issues.
Though health risks are associated with all kinds of alcohol, desi daru can be more hazardous than other kinds as it does not undergo a multiple distillation process, is often poorly regulated due to it mostly being bootleg alcohol. If care is not taken in the distillation process and the proper equipment is not used, harmful impurities such as fusel alcohols, lead from plumbing solder, and methanol can be concentrated to toxic levels. Several deaths have been reported in India and Pakistan due to consumption of non-factory made toxic liquor.
In popular culture.
There are several references of desi daru in Bollywood films, songs.