TANAHUN: A total of  356 persons have made pledges to abstain from drinking and smoking on the occasion of Janai Purnima, one of Hindu festivals, in Tanahun district on Friday.

They made this commitment at a programme organised  by the district branch of Brahmakumaris Rajyoga Teaching Centre in Damauli to mark Rakshabandhan and Janai Purnima, said Ram Singh Ayer, a follower of the Centre.

Ayer informed that they had filled a form promising to quit smoking and drinking, adding the future activities of these persons were to be observed whether this would be effective.

The programme also aimed to curb violence in society and spread the message of harmony across the globe.

More than 2,500 participated in the programme where they received Raksha bandhan (a sacred thread tied on the wrist) from the female members of the Center yesterday.