As Holi celebrations approach, authorities in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, have covered mosques with tarpaulin sheets to maintain communal harmony and prevent any untoward incidents. This precautionary step, taken by the local administration, ensures that colors or festival-related activities do not affect religious places.
Similar safety measures have been implemented in previous years, and police and local officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure peaceful festivities. In Shahjahanpur, mosques were also covered with tarpaulins ahead of the unique ‘Laat Saheb’ Holi celebration scheduled for March 14. This 300-year-old tradition involves a long procession where an individual, dubbed ‘Laat Saheb,’ rides on a buffalo cart while participants throw colors, shoes, and slippers at him.
Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police Rajesh S stated that peace committee meetings began a month ago to prepare for the event. Around 3,500 security personnel will be deployed, and surveillance through drones and CCTVs has been set up to ensure safety. “All mosques on both sides of the ‘Laat Saheb’ route have been covered, and we’re keeping a close watch,” he said.
Meanwhile, Holi festivities have sparked excitement across the state, with unique culinary creations making headlines. In Gonda, a sweets shop has introduced the ‘Golden Gujiya,’ priced at an astonishing Rs 50,000 per kilogram or Rs 1300 per piece. This exclusive sweet features a 24-carat gold layer and a special dry fruit filling, making it a luxury item.
In Lucknow, another sweets shop entered the India Book of Records by preparing India’s largest Gujiya, measuring 25 inches and weighing 6 kilograms. Pramil Dwivedi, Executor of the India Book of Records, confirmed that this Gujiya set a new benchmark. “We searched and found that no such large Gujiya had ever been made before,” he noted.
As Holi preparations continue nationwide, markets are bustling with people purchasing colors, water guns, and festive essentials. Homes are adorned with vibrant decorations, and traditional sweets like gujiyas are being prepared in anticipation of the festival of colors, which promises joy and unity across communities.
