The historic city of Varanasi is once again pulsating with a unique energy as the annual Prohibition Week makes a vibrant comeback. From December 30th to January 5th, the iconic ghats along the Ganges are being transformed into hubs of music, yoga, and cultural activities, all aimed at promoting a drug-free lifestyle. This initiative, a key part of the central government's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, seeks to harness the festive spirit of the New Year to spread a powerful message of health and wellness.
A Festive Launch on the Ghats
The week-long campaign was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The event saw the active participation of Varanasi's District Magistrate, S. Rajalingam, and Senior Superintendent of Police, Akash Kulhary. They flagged off a massive awareness rally that saw hundreds of citizens, including students, social workers, and members of various organizations, marching through the city streets. The rally culminated at the same ghat, setting the stage for the week's activities.
In his address, District Magistrate Rajalingam emphasized the campaign's core mission. He stated that the objective is to create widespread awareness about the devastating physical, mental, and social consequences of drug and alcohol abuse. The administration is leveraging the collective energy of the New Year celebrations to steer the public, especially the youth, towards positive and healthy choices.
A Blend of Culture, Music, and Wellness
Unlike typical prohibition drives, this week is designed to engage and attract people through celebration. The ghats are alive with scheduled performances by local artists and cultural troupes. The sound of music and devotional songs fills the air, creating a festive atmosphere that draws crowds. Alongside the entertainment, the program heavily integrates wellness activities.
Each morning on the ghats begins with organized yoga and meditation sessions, promoting mental and physical well-being as natural alternatives. Authorities have also planned street plays (nukkad nataks), painting competitions, and elocution contests focused on the theme of a drug-free life. These activities are strategically deployed to resonate with different age groups, from children to adults.
Enforcement and Community Participation
While the week is festive, the enforcement aspect remains stringent. Police officials have confirmed that special checking drives are being conducted across the district. These drives target illegal liquor outlets and aim to curb the smuggling and consumption of illicit substances. The police are working in close coordination with the excise department to ensure a tight net around lawbreakers.
The success of the campaign hinges on community involvement. The district administration has mobilized a small army of volunteers, self-help groups, and educational institutions. Their role is to act as ambassadors within their communities, spreading the message door-to-door and through local networks. This grassroots approach is considered vital for creating a lasting impact beyond the seven-day event.
The Bigger Picture: Nasha Mukt Bharat
Varanasi's Prohibition Week is not an isolated event but a significant chapter in the nationwide Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). Launched by the central government, this mega campaign targets over 272 districts identified as vulnerable. The focus is on preventive education, awareness generation, and community-led intervention.
For Varanasi, the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency, this initiative carries added symbolic weight. The transformation of its spiritual and cultural epicenter—the ghats—into a platform for this social cause underscores a holistic vision of development that encompasses societal health. The administration hopes that the positive energy generated during this New Year period will inspire a collective resolve to reject addiction and embrace a healthier, more productive way of life for the city and its residents.
