Tight security ensures calm Holi, Ramzan prayers

In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, which had been tense since the November 24 riots, Holi celebrations were peaceful thanks to strict security measures.

Coloured water being sprayed on devotees during Holi celebrations at Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad on Friday. Photo | PTI

NEW DELHI: Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across North and Central India on Friday. This year, it coincided with the second Friday prayers of the Muslim community for Ramzan, and despite some tensions, the festival unfolded peacefully across the country, thanks to stringent security measures. Elaborate security measures were implemented across North and Central India.

According to official figures, over 25,000 security personnel were deployed in Delhi, with additional police forces stationed across roughly 300 sensitive areas, monitored by CCTV cameras and drones. Traffic and city police set up joint pickets at major intersections, forming special teams to tackle issues such as drunk driving and traffic violations.

In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal, which had been tense since the November 24 riots, Holi celebrations were peaceful thanks to strict security measures. Police had imposed curbs in Hyderabad as well, banning vehicle groups and throwing of colours on unwilling participants.

Some observers noted that following the recently-concluded Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Holi celebrations saw an exceptionally large turnout, a remarkable return to grandeur after a five-year gap caused by the pandemic. Manish Kumar, a New Delhi-based supplier of gulaal (powdered colour), reported that the sale of herbal gulaal and liquid colours surged this year in the national capital, with 99% of buyers, particularly women, opting for herbal gulaal.

SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi interacts with believers near Shahi Jama Masjid during the holy month of Ramzan in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh on Friday.Photo | PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the nation on Holi eve, and wished that the festival would bind the people. President Droupadi Murmu also extended her greetings, emphasising how the festival nurtures unity and brotherhood.

Political leaders across party lines conveyed their greetings, with UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath describing Holi as a “messenger of unity”. Bahujan Samaj Party leader Mayawati urged people to celebrate Holi “traditionally with full enthusiasm, peace, mutual brotherhood, and harmony”. In West Bengal, where Doljatra was celebrated alongside Holi, CM Mamata Banerjee prayed for stronger bonds of love among citizens.

Meanwhile, J&K People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Mehbooba Mufti expressed concerns, saying some “bigots” had turned Holi into a “source of fear” for minorities with the “approval of those in power”.