Sanatan Prabhat > Post Type > News > National News > “Put an end to the controversial ‘Sunburn Festival’ that is pushing the youth into the trap of intoxication” : Nasha Virodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan

“Put an end to the controversial ‘Sunburn Festival’ that is pushing the youth into the trap of intoxication” : Nasha Virodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan

From left – Mr Rajesh Sawant, Mrs Dhanashree Kelashikar (speaking) and Prof. Vitthal Sontakke

Mumbai – ‘Sunburn’ festival has always been creating controversies in India. After its expulsion from Goa, it has been organized this year, at Sewri, from 19 to 21 December 2025. This so-called festival is a blot on the culture, traditions, and identity of Maharashtra. Such programs that lead to increasing addictions should be banned permanently. The program, which is proposed to be held in Mumbai, should be cancelled and banished from the country since it pushes the youth into the abyss of drug addiction.

Mrs Dhanashree Kelashikar, a member of the ‘Nasha Virodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan’ (Campaign against drug addiction)’ made the above demand while addressing a press conference held at Mumbai Marathi Patrakar Sangh on 08.12.2025. Prof Shripad Samant of ‘Nasha Virodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan’ Prof Vitthal Sontakke of Kirti College, Mr Rajesh Sawant of ‘Mokala Shwas Foundation’, advocate Ashutosh Pande, and advocate (Mrs) Mrunmayee Khodwekar of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) were also present on this occassion.

Why isn’t there ‘zero’ tolerance against the drug promoting Sunburn ? – Mrs Dhanashree Kelashikar

People are demanding that this program be cancelled. During the Sunburn festivals held earlier at Goa and Bengaluru, there have been incidents of death of young men and women due to over consumption of narcotics. Mumbai is already sensitive with regard to the issue of drug-trafficking; Now, with this festival, the life and health of Mumbai youth is likely to be endangered. The Maharashtra CM Fadnavis has declared Maharashtra Government’s stand of ‘zero tolerance’ on  consumption of narcotics. “If this program does take place and any health issues arise due to excessive consumption of narcotics, the liability will rest totally with the State Government.”

As per a letter from the Sewri police, no permission has been granted for this program so far; yet tickets are being sold, which is highly objectionable.”

National Human Rights Commission should immediately take a note of the same – Prof Shripad Samant

Sunburn Festival is likely to create issues related to health and security for the youth. We have lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to promptly intervene in the matter for the protection of human rights. There have been incidents of use and sale of narcotics on a large scale in such programs held earlier; therefore, NHRC should take immediate note of the matter and instruct Government agencies to conduct investigations.

HJS advocate (Mrs) Mrunmayee Khodwekar said,

“HJS has been constantly opposing Sunburn festival since 2013; therefore, the Goa Government had cancelled this programme once. We earnestly appeal to the Maharashtra Government to immediately cancel this program, notorious for facilitating the distribution of narcotic substances.”

Professor Vitthal Sontakke of Kirti College and Mr Rajesh Sawant of ‘Mokala Shwas Foundation also demanded the cancellation of this festival.

“Why is permission being granted to Sunburn despite its association with drug trafficking and tax evasion?”

In 2009, 2014, and 2020, the organizers of Sunburn festival evaded tax worth Rs 6.29 crores that was payable to the Goa Government.

In September 2025, Mumbai High Court passed a verdict to seize the deposits of Rs 1.10 crores of Sunburn festival. ‘The Nasha-virodhi Sangharsh Abhiyan’, questioned why the Government has granted permission to hold the Sunburn festival, which is known for tax-evasion and pushing youth to drug addiction.

Editorial Perspective

It is enraging that in Maharashtra there is no loan waiver for poor farmers but tax worth millions are waived for the drug promoting ‘Sunburn’ Festival !

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