Moga, Punjab: In a world increasingly dominated by screens, where many cannot go even a few minutes without checking their phones, a small village in Punjab dared to challenge this norm — and did so in spectacular fashion. Gholia Khurd, a village in Moga district, recently hosted an extraordinary event called ‘Vehle Behn Da Muqabla’, or the ‘Do Nothing Contest’, designed to test participants’ willpower and endurance in abstaining from mobile phones. The event, described by organisers as a “bold rebellion” against phone addiction, witnessed participants sitting in one place without phones, sleep, or even bathroom breaks, for more than 31 hours.

The Concept: Fighting Phone Addiction

The idea for the contest emerged from concerns over rampant phone usage, which the organisers described as “a type of disease.” According to them, people today are so addicted to their devices that even a brief pause feels unbearable. The contest was a symbolic and practical demonstration of reclaiming one’s attention and mental space from digital distractions.

The organisers referred to it as the ‘Great Sitting Challenge’, a test of mental discipline, patience, and self-control. “It’s a bold rebellion against a world where people can’t sit for five minutes without checking their phones,” a spokesperson said, highlighting the social message behind the exercise.

The Contest Rules: Mental and Physical Endurance

The rules of the ‘vehla’ contest were deliberately strict. Participants had to:

• Sit in one place continuously without moving, sleeping, or using their phones.
• Avoid using the washroom, with provisions made to maintain hydration and nourishment.
• Engage in reading or chanting hymns (‘simran’) to occupy their minds and resist the urge to check their devices.

The organisers provided food, water, and books to ensure participants could focus solely on mental endurance. The aim was not just abstaining from phones but fostering stillness, patience, and a break from constant digital input.

Participants: A Diverse Crowd

The contest attracted 55 participants from across Punjab and Chandigarh, representing a mix of children, young adults, and elderly individuals. Despite the nature of the event being an escape from digital life, the participants largely learned about it through social media posts, which in itself was a playful irony — using technology to promote a break from technology.

Many participants mentioned that chanting hymns or reading helped them keep their minds engaged and resist distractions. The event became a mix of quiet reflection and intense mental focus, turning the village square into a temporary hub of digital detox.

The Winners: Triumph After 31 Hours

After enduring 31 hours and 4 minutes of rigorous stillness, three participants emerged as the champions of the ‘vehla’ challenge. Satbir Singh and Lampreet Singh were declared joint winners, each receiving a bicycle and ₹3,500 as a reward. Chanan Singh secured the third place and was awarded ₹1,500.

One of the winners shared his experience in a video interview with a YouTube channel: “Bahut changa lagga, phone ton khehda chhuteya! It felt very good to be rid of the phone. Otherwise, we would be endlessly scrolling through reels all day.” His words captured the essence of the event: a profound sense of relief and achievement at temporarily escaping the constant pull of technology.

Previous Events and Future Plans

This was not the first event of its kind. Organisers mentioned that a similar competition had been held earlier in Barnala district, which received positive responses. The success of the Moga contest has sparked hopes that more villages across Punjab will adopt the idea, encouraging communities to experiment with periods of digital detox and focus on mental well-being.

Significance: Beyond a Game

The ‘Vehle Behn Da Muqabla’ goes beyond being a quirky contest. It highlights a growing awareness of the impact of excessive screen time on mental health and the need to cultivate focus, patience, and self-discipline in an era dominated by smartphones and social media. By turning stillness into a competition, the organisers not only created a social spectacle but also offered participants a tangible, transformative experience.

A Cultural Statement

Organisers described the contest as a cultural statement, one that challenges contemporary lifestyles dominated by rapid consumption of digital content. The use of hymns, books, and sustained silence during the competition emphasizes a return to mindfulness, community engagement, and personal reflection — values often neglected in the digital age.

Conclusion

The ‘vehla’ championship in Gholia Khurd stands as a unique experiment in digital detoxification, showing that even in small villages, the conversation around phone addiction and mental health is gaining traction. For the participants, the event was not just a test of endurance but also a moment of liberation — a reminder that disconnecting, even briefly, can lead to clarity, focus, and a renewed sense of well-being. With Satbir Singh, Lampreet Singh, and Chanan Singh emerging victorious, the contest has inspired many to reconsider their relationship with technology and embrace the occasional joy of doing nothing.

The organisers hope that the success of this event will encourage other villages in Punjab and beyond to hold similar contests, promoting a healthier balance between digital life and mindful living.