Shimla, Feb 26,
As the festival of Mahashivratri is being celebrated, the tranquil hills of Shimla bear a heavy burden of grief and concern. In just one week, the highly addictive substance ‘chitta’ (heroin) has claimed three young lives—first in Dhalli, then Chakker, and now in Sanjauli. The loss of another youth to this deadly addiction underlines the deepening drug crisis in Himachal Pradesh. What’s more alarming is that many families, fearing social stigma, often refrain from reporting such deaths to the police, leaving the true extent of this crisis hidden from the authorities.
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Despite stringent police efforts to crack down on drug mafias, the rising number of overdose cases reveals the severity of the situation. The lure of substances like ‘chitta’ continues to ensnare the region’s youth, pushing them toward an irreversible path of addiction and devastation.
This year’s Mahashivratri celebrations take place against this grim backdrop. In the Himalayan region, the festival holds deep cultural significance. Families prepare traditional delicacies like babru, bade, malpua, sanse, and pakoras, sharing them with married daughters, nephews, and nieces the day after the festival as a symbol of love and familial bonds. However, amid these cherished customs, a dangerous misconception persists—linking the celebration of Lord Shiva with the use of intoxicants like bhang, ghota, and dhatura.
Dr. Kuldeep Singh Tanwar, convenor of the Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiti and the Public Health Campaign, has voiced a strong appeal to dissociate Mahashivratri from substance abuse. He urges people to shift focus from intoxication to a celebration of life and cultural pride. “Instead of fasting for a day, let’s pledge to keep our lives free from all forms of intoxication, whether traditional or chemical,” he said.
Dr. Tanwar warns that drug addiction destroys not just health but also futures—leading to financial ruin, legal troubles, and, in many tragic cases, death. Registered cases under the NDPS Act can make it difficult for individuals to secure employment or lead a normal life, creating a lifelong struggle.
As Mahashivratri being relished, Shimla and other parts of Himachal Pradesh must confront the rising tide of drug abuse. This festival should serve as a moment of reflection and resolve—a time to honour cultural traditions without falling into the trap of intoxication. Society, families, and the administration must unite to protect the region’s youth from the grip of drugs and guide them toward a healthier, brighter future.
It’s time to reclaim the spirit of Mahashivratri—a celebration of devotion, love, and togetherness—and make the right choice: to stay away from drugs and embrace life, stated Tanwar.
