Ahead of the Holi festivities in Uttar Pradesh, several mosques across various districts have been covered with tarpaulins to ensure the peaceful and uninterrupted celebration of the festival while maintaining respect for religious spaces. This measure has been put in place by local administrations to prevent colors from interfering with the mosques during the celebrations.
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Mosques in Sambhal Covered with Tarpaulins
In Sambhal, a key district in Uttar Pradesh, a precautionary step has been taken to cover 10 mosques, including the prominent Jama Masjid, with plastic sheets and tarpaulin ahead of Holi. This initiative aims to avoid any damage to the mosques and ensure that they remain clean during the celebrations. Authorities have noted that this measure is especially important since Holi coincides with the holy month of Ramadan this year, and prayers must not be disrupted.
The move comes after discussions between local authorities and community leaders. It has been agreed that Holi festivities can continue until 2:30 PM, allowing sufficient time for the Friday prayers to take place without interference. Local police and administration have set up a security cordon around the covered mosques to ensure peace and prevent any potential disturbances.
Preventive Measures and Increased Security in Sambhal
To further ensure safety and public order, the Sambhal district has already detained over 1,000 individuals as a preventive measure to avoid any untoward incidents during Holi. Additionally, the district has been divided into multiple sectors, and lekhpals (village accountants) have been assigned to monitor the situation closely around the mosques. This is part of a larger effort to maintain communal harmony and security during the festivities.
Authorities have also mobilized local police forces to patrol the area, while drone surveillance and CCTV cameras will be used to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that Holi celebrations remain safe for everyone involved.
Shahjahanpur Takes Precautionary Steps for Traditional Holi Procession
In Shahjahanpur, a similar approach has been adopted to safeguard mosques located along the route of the Laat Saheb Holi procession, a unique and popular tradition in the region. During this procession, a person impersonates Laat Saheb, sitting on a bullock cart, while participants throw colors, shoes, and slippers at him. This custom draws large crowds and is an important part of the local Holi celebrations.
To ensure the safety of everyone involved, the authorities have covered the mosques along the procession route with tarpaulins. Around 3,500 security personnel have been deployed throughout the district to manage the crowd and oversee the procession. Local authorities have also installed surveillance systems, including drones and CCTV cameras, to keep an eye on the activities and prevent any disturbances.
Balancing Tradition and Religious Sensitivity
These measures in Sambhal and Shahjahanpur reflect the efforts of local administrations to balance the vibrant and colorful traditions of Holi with the respect for religious spaces and sentiments. The authorities have worked closely with local religious leaders and community members to ensure that Holi can be celebrated in a peaceful and harmonious manner.
By implementing these precautionary steps, Uttar Pradesh is taking an active role in maintaining the safety and security of its citizens while ensuring that both cultural and religious observances are honored during the festive season.
As Holi approaches, the state’s proactive approach in covering mosques and increasing security demonstrates its commitment to promoting communal harmony. With thousands of security personnel deployed and the precautionary covering of mosques, authorities hope to create an environment where all communities can celebrate in peace. The smooth execution of these measures will set a precedent for future celebrations, fostering unity and respect across Uttar Pradesh.
By – Kartik
