The Holi celebration 2025 turned into episodes of nightmare across different states, despite extensive security measures and efforts to maintain tranquility. In Uttar Pradesh, mosques were covered with tarpaulin sheets in multiple districts, including Bareilly, Sambhal, and others, to prevent any potential conflicts during the festivities. Meanwhile, clashes broke out in various locations, including Jharkhand, Punjab, and Maharashtra, triggered by disputes over religious symbols, loud music, and procession routes.
Incident 1: Holi Celebrations in Sambhal Unfolded Tension
In Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, a tense situation unfolded during Holi celebrations when a group of boys allegedly sprayed colors and inscribed “Jai Shree Ram” on a mosque gate. This incident occurred despite the local administration’s extensive efforts to ensure peace and security during the festivities.
However, the district witnessed one of its most heavily guarded Holi celebrations, coinciding with the second Friday prayers of Ramzan. Security was ramped up, with the area divided into six zones and 29 sectors, and several forces including the Rapid Response Force (RRF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) deployed. Drones were also used for surveillance.
Incident 2: Hindu Leader Calls for Forced Holi Celebration
Bhupendra alias Pinky Chaudhry, national president of the Hindu Raksha Dal, as reported by the Observer Post, stirred controversy with his recent statement saying, “Those who avoid Holi should leave India and go to Pakistan, and those who have a problem with it, we will force them to celebrate Holi.” Chaudhry, a prominent figure in the right-wing organization, has a history of inflammatory rhetoric, including branding slum dwellers in Ghaziabad as Bangladeshi infiltrators and attacking them.
Incident 3: Holi Celebrations Near Mosque in Aligarh
A group of Hindus celebrated Holi in front of a mosque at Abdul Karim Chawk, in Aligarh, prompting a tense situation. The mosque was covered with tarpaulin to prevent any color from staining its walls, and police presence was bolstered. However, videos surfaced showing the group throwing colors and water on the tarpaulin, despite the heightened security. There were also claims that anti-Muslim slogans were raised during the celebration.
Incident 4: Shimga Procession in Maharashtra Targets Mosque
Another controversy erupted in Rajapur, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, during the Holi-related Shimga procession. A group of participants attempted to break into a mosque by striking its gate with a tree trunk while Taraweeh prayers were underway. The annual Shimga festival typically involves carrying a long tree trunk, but this year, some individuals used it to damage the mosque gate. The crowd reportedly chanted slogans and threw gulal (colored powder).
Incident 5: Muslim Man Assaulted on Live Camera
In yet another incident, a purported video has made rounds on the social media platforms, where a mob could be seen assaulting a muslim man on Live camera. FoEJ Media, however, has not verified the video personally.
Incident 6: Uttar Pradesh Police Officer’s Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage
Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, the Sambhal Circle Officer, has come under intense scrutiny and condemnation from opposition parties following his recent comments about the Holi celebrations. In a statement Chaudhary remarked, “If Muslims cannot accept being colored during Holi, they should stay at home.”
Opposition leaders have demanded swift action against the officer, accusing him of undermining communal harmony and displaying favoritism. His comments were seen as dismissive of Muslim sentiments, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
In his statement, CO Kumar further stated, “There are 52 Jumua (Friday) prayers in a year, but only one day for Holi. Hindus wait for Holi the whole year, just like Muslims wait for Eid.” This remark, especially in the context of Ramadan, was criticized for downplaying the importance of Jummah prayers for Muslims, a sacred practice for the community. Many argue that such remarks from an officer are inappropriate and could potentially deepen religious divides.
Incident 7: Violence Erupts in Ludhiana During Holi Celebrations Over DJ Music
A clash broke out in Ludhiana, Punjab, during Holi celebrations between two groups, erupted by a disagreement over loud DJ music being played near a mosque. Members of the local Muslim community raised objections to the noise, which led to a heated tiff. The situation quickly escalated into violence. At least three individuals were injured in the confrontation.
Incident 8: Clash Breaks Out During Holi Procession in Jharkhand’s Giridih
A violent clash erupted between two groups during a Holi procession in Giridih, Jharkhand, on Friday, resulting in several injuries and the burning of vehicles. The conflict led to a tense situation, with reports indicating that a few vehicles were set on fire amid the chaos.
Police have confirmed that multiple individuals were injured in the clash. Meanwhile, further investigation of the incident is underway.
Mosques Covered with Tarpaulin Sheets
During the Holi celebrations mosques in several districts of Uttar Pradesh as reported by The New Indian Express, were covered with tarpaulin sheets:
In Bareilly, 109 mosques were covered with tarpaulin sheets, especially along the route of the Ram Barat procession, a key event during the festivities.
In Sambhal, nearly a dozen mosques, including the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, were also covered to protect them from any color being thrown during the celebrations. Additionally, 67 mosques in the area were covered in advance of the traditional ‘Laat Sahab Juloos’ procession.
Furthermore, in other parts of the state, three mosques were shielded with tarpaulins as part of the local administration’s efforts to maintain peace and prevent any clashes during the Holi celebrations.
