The city of Hisar in Haryana ushered in the New Year 2024 with a powerful and conscious shift towards sobriety and family values. Moving away from conventional alcohol-centric parties, a significant number of residents embraced devotional celebrations and community-driven initiatives aimed at promoting de-addiction. The unique festivities spanned from New Year's Eve to the morning of January 1, sending a strong message against substance abuse.
Bhajan Clubbing: A Sober Musical Start to 2024
On the night of December 31, a novel "Bhajan Clubbing" event became the centerpiece of the city's alternative celebrations. Organized at a banquet hall on Tosham Road, the programme featured a soulful performance by renowned Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma. He captivated the audience with devotional songs and, on popular demand, also sang some of his well-known hit numbers.
The atmosphere was uniquely electrified by a special band that expertly blended traditional bhajans with live band music. This fusion received an enthusiastic response from all attendees. The organizers were steadfast in their mission to promote a drug-free environment. Entry was strictly denied to anyone found under the influence of alcohol, and participation was reserved exclusively for families, ensuring a safe and inclusive space.
As the clock struck midnight, the celebrations continued in a family-oriented manner with a special magic show organized for children, making the event a holistic and joyful experience for all age groups.
Milk and Jalebi Prasad: A Sweet Morning Message
The message of de-addiction continued into the daylight of New Year's Day, Thursday. From 5 am to 11 am, a widespread milk and jalebi distribution programme was held across five key locations in Hisar. This 'prasad' was offered to citizens as a symbolic and healthy start to the year, reinforcing the choice of nourishment over intoxication.
The distribution points were strategically chosen at high-visibility areas:
- Near Jindal Hospital
- In front of Madhuban Park
- Outside HAU Gate No 4
- At Dobhi Bus Stand
- In Balsamand village
Community Leaders Unite for the Cause
The initiative saw strong support from various social and community leaders, highlighting a collective community effort. Prominent figures present at the events included Amit Sindhu, President of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Jan Kalyan Morcha; Suresh Bhuthad, President of Maheshwari Samaj; Rishi Burakia of Bharat Vikas Parishad; Harish Goyal; Jagmohan Mittal; former district councillor Surendra Panghal; and Ashish Kumar, among others.
Their participation underscored the broad-based civic support for fostering a culture of wellness and conscious celebration in the city.
The dual events of Bhajan Clubbing and the milk-jalebi distribution have set a remarkable precedent in Hisar. They demonstrate how traditional values and modern community activism can merge to address contemporary social issues like substance abuse, offering a blueprint for meaningful and healthy public celebrations.
