In an effort to maintain communal harmony and ensure the protection of religious sites during the upcoming Holi celebrations, the district administration in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has implemented a special precautionary measure.
More than 60 mosques across the district have been covered with tarpaulin sheets, particularly in anticipation of the region’s famous ‘Joota Maar Holi’—a vibrant and boisterous celebration marked by colourful processions and playful revelry.
This preventative measure comes after long deliberations between local authorities and religious officials, which seek to stop mosques from being smeared with colors or, in other instances, kicked with shoes during the wild celebrations.
Shahjahanpur is home to one of Holi’s most unique traditions, where participants engage in ‘Joota Maar Holi’, a lively event that involves a procession spanning nearly 10 kilometres. The sheer scale and enthusiasm of the celebration often lead to uncontrolled exuberance, necessitating these precautionary measures.
In order to safeguard the mosques and have a peaceful celebration, the district administration—along with religious leaders—resolved to tarpaulin religious buildings, protecting them from colour splashes, possible damage, and disruptions.
Along with this, the authorities have tightened security, using police personnel in military-style uniforms while also utilizing drone surveillance to keep an eye on the situation and maintain safety.
People belonging to Shahjahanpur's Muslim community have welcomed these security measures, saying that the protection of mosques from colours will keep the peace and enable all people to celebrate Holi without hindrance.
The move has gained general acceptance, with religious clerics supporting the move after attending peace committee sessions along with district officials.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Rajesh S. assured people of the government's resolve to ensure order, saying:
"We have covered the mosques and are offering increased security around all religious buildings. Cameras, videography, and drones are being utilized to provide security. The peace committee has also sanctioned it, and we highly appreciate the cooperation of the minority community."
The district administration is hopeful that the Holi celebrations will go off smoothly, strengthening Shahjahanpur's valued 'Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb', a sign of its long-standing tradition of communal amity.
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