In Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, authorities have decided to cover 10 mosques — including the historic Jama Masjid — with plastic sheets and tarpaulins to shield them from Holi colors as a procession passes through on March 14. The decision comes as this year’s Holi coincides with Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramzan, raising concerns about potential communal tensions. Police officials say this measure is intended to ensure both the religious events proceed without incident, emphasizing that the move was made with the consent of both Hindu and Muslim communities.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shrishchandra explained that all religious sites along the traditional Holi procession route would be covered to prevent accidental splattering of colors on mosques, which could provoke unrest. He described the decision as a preventive measure, aimed at fostering peace and respecting the sentiments of both communities.
Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate Vandna Mishra confirmed that more than 1,000 people — 1,015 to be exact — have been detained as a precautionary step to avoid any flare-ups. The district has been divided into several sectors, with local revenue officials (lekhpals) stationed at different mosques to maintain order and report any signs of trouble. “We are fully prepared for Holi and will ensure that celebrations happen peacefully while Friday prayers continue uninterrupted,” she told ANI.
Sambhal has remained on edge since November 2023, when a court-ordered survey of the Jama Masjid was conducted following claims that the mosque was built atop the ruins of an ancient Hindu temple. The survey ignited large-scale protests, culminating in violent clashes that left five people dead and over 20 police officers injured. The memory of that violence still lingers, adding to the sensitivity around this year’s Holi celebrations.
The situation became more volatile earlier this week after senior police officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary advised Muslims to stay indoors during Holi to avoid getting splattered with colors. “The festival of colours comes only once a year, while Friday prayers happen 52 times a year,” he remarked, suggesting that Muslims should remain inside if they didn’t want to be caught up in the celebrations. His comments were widely criticized but received backing from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who reinforced the call for Muslims to stay home during the festival to avoid confrontations.
Adding to the controversy, BJP leader Raghuraj Singh made a provocative statement suggesting Muslim men wear “tarpaulin hijabs” to protect themselves from Holi colors. His comments were met with backlash, with critics accusing him of mocking religious attire. Meanwhile, Bihar’s Darbhanga Mayor proposed an alternative approach, suggesting a two-hour pause in Holi celebrations to allow Muslim devotees to attend Friday prayers undisturbed. This proposal, however, sparked a separate debate, with some viewing it as a practical solution and others arguing it disrupts the festive spirit.
The overlapping of Holi and Friday prayers — particularly during the sacred month of Ramzan — has created a complex, emotionally charged situation. Authorities continue to walk a tightrope, balancing the need to maintain peace with the responsibility to respect religious beliefs. Police patrols have been intensified, and drone surveillance is being deployed to monitor the procession route.
Community leaders from both sides have urged people to remain calm and avoid provocations. Local imams have appealed for restraint, reminding worshippers that peace and brotherhood are core tenets of Islam. Hindu leaders, too, have called for an inclusive celebration, highlighting the age-old tradition of communal harmony in the region.
In the days leading up to the event, markets in Sambhal have seen a visible drop in activity, with shopkeepers fearing potential clashes. Many families — from both communities — have reportedly stocked up on essentials to avoid venturing out on the day of the procession. Hotels and guesthouses have reported cancellations, and several schools have announced closures on March 14 as a precautionary measure.
The Uttar Pradesh government has dispatched additional security forces to Sambhal, with paramilitary units on standby in case the situation spirals. Senior officials from the Home Department are closely monitoring the district, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has warned that any attempts to disturb communal harmony will be met with strict action.
As the day approaches, the spotlight remains on Sambhal — a city now seen as a test case for whether India can uphold its rich tradition of pluralism and coexistence, even in the face of heightened religious and political divisions.
