India has a long-standing tradition of tobacco consumption, and one of the most common and culturally rooted forms is the bidi (also spelled beedi or biri). A biri is a thin, hand-rolled cigarette made of sun-dried tobacco flakes wrapped in a tendu or temburni leaf and tied with a thread at one end.
Despite the rise of modern cigarettes and vaping products, biris remain widely consumed in rural and urban India due to their affordability, availability, and strong cultural presence. This article provides a detailed biri list in India, including the top brands, types, and a look into the industry.
What is a Biri (Beedi)?
A biri is a traditional Indian smoking product, often made with:
- Tobacco flakes (sun-cured)
- Tendu leaves (Diospyros melanoxylon)
- Cotton thread to tie it
Unlike modern cigarettes, biris do not use paper and filters. They are hand-rolled, usually by women in small cottage industries, making them a significant source of rural employment.
Biri Industry in India
India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of biris, with over 1,000 registered brands and thousands of unregistered local variants. The industry is largely unorganized but employs over 4.5 million people, especially women from rural and underprivileged communities.
The states that lead in biri production include:
- West Bengal
- Madhya Pradesh
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Tamil Nadu
- Maharashtra
- Andhra Pradesh
Popular Biri Brands in India (Biri List)
Here is a curated list of popular biri brands in India that dominate the market, both in rural and urban areas.
1. Ganesh Beedi
- One of the oldest and most recognized biri brands in India.
- Manufactured in Tamil Nadu.
- Known for strong flavor and consistent quality.
2. 501 Beedi
- Manufactured by Kajah Beedi Company.
- Popular in Kerala and parts of Karnataka.
- Comes in different variants like 501 Special, 501 Superfine.
3. Kumaran Beedi
- A major brand in southern India.
- Known for smooth smoking experience.
4. VST Beedi (Victory Beedi)
- Manufactured by VST Industries Ltd, Hyderabad.
- Widely available in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
5. Tirupati Beedi
- Common in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Noted for good quality tendu leaves and flavor.
6. Kheda Beedi
- Produced in Madhya Pradesh.
- Mostly hand-rolled, sold in bundles.
7. Ganesha Beedi (not to be confused with Ganesh Beedi)
- Manufactured in Karnataka.
- Sold in both urban and rural markets.
8. Desi Beedi (Generic)
- Sold without branding in many rural areas.
- Hand-rolled by local workers or small-scale manufacturers.
- Cheaper, often lacks packaging or health warnings.
Types of Biris Available
There are multiple variants of biri based on tobacco strength, leaf type, and origin:
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Plain Biri | Basic biri with no flavors. Traditional and strong. |
| Flavored Biri | Infused with cardamom, clove, menthol, or fruit essence. |
| Filter Biri | Comes with a cotton or herbal filter (rare, premium version). |
| Machine-Rolled Biri | More uniform, but less common than hand-rolled. |
Price Range of Biri in India
Biris are significantly cheaper than cigarettes. Here’s an estimated price range:
| Brand | Pack Size | Approx. Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Ganesh Beedi | 25 | ₹10 – ₹15 |
| 501 Beedi | 25 | ₹12 – ₹20 |
| VST Beedi | 20 | ₹10 – ₹18 |
| Desi Biri | 25 | ₹5 – ₹10 |
Note: Prices vary regionally and by seller. Many biris are sold loosely in tea stalls and local shops.
Health Risks of Biri Smoking
While biris are more natural in composition compared to cigarettes, they are not safer. In fact, studies suggest they may be more harmful due to higher tar content and lack of filters.
Common health risks:
- Chronic bronchitis and lung infections
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Oral and lung cancers
- Tuberculosis
Biri smoke contains:
- Nicotine
- Carbon monoxide
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Government Regulation & Taxation
The Indian government regulates the biri industry under:
- The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003
- Mandatory health warnings on packaging
- 18% GST on beedis (lower than cigarettes)
However, the enforcement is weaker in rural and unorganized sectors, where biris are sold loosely without proper labeling.
Final Thoughts
Biris may be small and cheap, but they carry a huge socio-economic and health impact in India. With millions employed and millions more consuming them, biris are deeply embedded in Indian society.
Whether you’re studying public health, exploring cultural habits, or simply curious about the Indian tobacco industry, understanding the biri list in India gives you a window into this complex and powerful industry.
Quick Recap: Top Biri Brands in India
- Ganesh Beedi
- 501 Beedi
- VST Beedi
- Kumaran Beedi
- Tirupati Beedi
- Kheda Beedi
- Desi/Local Brands
- Bidi brands in India
- Best beedi brands
- Traditional smoking products India
- Tendu leaf cigarette
- Beedi industry statistics
- Biri vs cigarette
