A Village Without Goats or Liquor for 60 Years: The Remarkable Story of Dhakaniya in Nalanda

Nalanda: In an era when disputes over land, farming, and social conflicts are common in rural Bihar, a small village in Nalanda district has emerged as a shining example of discipline, unity, and self-governance. The village, Dhakaniya, located under Gangaura Panchayat of Chandi block, has maintained a unique tradition for nearly six decades—no goat rearing and no liquor consumption.

What makes this village even more special is that it adopted these strict rules long before Bihar implemented its state-wide prohibition law. Today, Dhakaniya is being widely discussed as a model of social harmony and self-control.

A 60-Year Ban on Goat Rearing

Unlike most villages where goats are a common part of household livestock, Dhakaniya has not allowed goat rearing in any home for the last 50 to 60 years.

According to villagers Mukesh Singh and Arvind Paswan, goats were once commonly raised in the village. However, frequent incidents of goats entering other people’s fields and destroying crops led to constant quarrels, tension, and bitterness among residents.

Since keeping goats tied up was difficult and conflicts were rising, the village elders decided to take action.

A collective meeting was held decades ago, where the villagers unanimously agreed to impose a complete ban on goat rearing. The decision was accepted by all communities, and remarkably, the younger generations have continued to follow the same rule with strict commitment.

No Toddy Despite Hundreds of Palm Trees

Dhakaniya is also home to hundreds of palm trees. In many parts of Bihar, such trees are used for extracting toddy (tari), which often leads to gatherings of drinkers and related social disturbances.

However, in Dhakaniya, no toddy is extracted or sold.

Villagers explained that decades ago, a Pasi family used to collect toddy, attracting outsiders who would come to drink. This frequently resulted in fights and chaos within the village.

To maintain peace and order, the villagers decided to impose a ban on toddy extraction and sale—interestingly, around the same time the goat rearing ban was introduced.

A Completely Intoxication-Free Village

Residents such as Baban Singh and Arvind Singh proudly state that Dhakaniya has been completely free from alcohol long before Bihar’s prohibition law was introduced.

They claim that:

• No one sells liquor in the village
• No one consumes alcohol
• Outsiders are discouraged from bringing intoxicants

The village’s strict social discipline has helped prevent crime, disputes, and domestic violence often linked to addiction.

A Living Example of Social Unity

Dhakaniya is home to people from multiple communities, including Rajputs, Yadavs, Ravidas, and Paswan groups. Yet villagers claim there has been no major caste conflict or social tension in the area.

Residents credit the unity of the village and its shared respect for the rules set by their ancestors.

Boost to Horticulture and Green Development

Villagers also remembered the contribution of late social worker Surendra Babu, who encouraged plantation and horticulture in the village.

Due to his efforts, Dhakaniya now has more than 100 varieties of mango and guava trees, making it not only a peaceful village but also a green and agriculturally rich settlement.

A Model for Bihar’s Rural Society

Dhakaniya’s story is not just about banning goats or toddy—it is a story of how community decisions, collective responsibility, and social discipline can create harmony in rural life.

In a time when governance often depends solely on law enforcement, Dhakaniya stands tall as a rare example of self-imposed law, mutual respect, and unity—proving that strong society begins with strong values.