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Holi-Ramadan Overlap: Cleric Urges Mutual Respect, Security Tightened

With Holi on March 5 coinciding with the ongoing holy month of Ramadan, Muslim cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi has appealed for mutual respect and restraint between communities. He specifically requested Muslims to stay indoors until noon on Holi and Hindus to avoid applying colors to Muslims. Meanwhile, authorities across India have intensified security, deploying additional police, using drones for surveillance, and monitoring social media to prevent misinformation. Administrative officials are also coordinating with local peace committees and community leaders to ensure the celebrations pass peacefully.

Key Points: Holi and Ramadan: Cleric Calls for Peace, Security Enhanced

  • Cleric appeals for mutual respect during festival overlap
  • Authorities deploy extensive security measures nationwide
  • Social media surveillance increased to curb misinformation
  • Coordination with local peace committees reinforced
3 min read

Holi, Ramadan coincide: Muslim cleric calls for mutual respect, authorities tighten security

As Holi coincides with Ramadan, a Muslim cleric appeals for mutual respect and restraint. Authorities tighten security nationwide to ensure peaceful celebrations.

"I appeal to the Muslims not to come out of their homes till noon on Holi. I also appeal to the Hindu community to not put colours on Muslims during the festival - Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi"

Lucknow, Feb 26

With the Hindu festival of Holi approaching and the holy month of Ramadan currently underway, All India Muslim Jamaat chief Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi on Thursday appealed to members of all communities to respect each other's religious sentiments to ensure peace and harmony during the celebrations.

The Hindu community is set to celebrate Holi on March 5, while Muslims are observing Ramadan, a sacred month marked by fasting and prayer.

In view of the overlapping occasions, authorities across the country have put in place extensive security arrangements to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incidents.

Speaking to IANS, Maulana Rizvi said the coincidence of festivals calls for mutual understanding and cooperation.

"The festival of Holi is approaching, and last year it coincided with the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims respect all religious festivals, and for the sake of peace, harmony, and communal unity, they adjust arrangements themselves if a festival of any religious community coincides with Ramadan, Eid, Friday prayers, or Urs," he said.

He expressed hope that better coordination would be ensured this year.

"In the coming days, arrangements are expected to be better, considering the festival of Holi. I appeal to all Hindu and Muslim brothers to maintain peace and follow government guidelines," he stated.

The cleric also made a specific appeal to both communities to exercise restraint during the festivities.

"I appeal to the Muslims not to come out of their homes till noon on Holi. I also appeal to the Hindu community to not put colours on Muslims during the festival so that Holi is celebrated peacefully without any tension," he added.

Meanwhile, authorities have intensified security measures, particularly in sensitive areas, to ensure that the celebrations pass off peacefully.

Officials said surveillance has been increased, with special focus on monitoring social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and identify potential troublemakers.

In several cities, including Vrindavan, security arrangements have been strengthened with additional police deployment, area patrolling and the use of drones for aerial monitoring.

Some urban centres have been divided into zones to facilitate better coordination and quicker response in case of any incident.

Administrative officials are also holding regular meetings with local peace committees, including 'Aman Committees', and engaging with community leaders to reinforce coordination.

Special emphasis is being placed on maintaining communication with mosque authorities in areas where Holi celebrations and Ramadan observances coincide.

Authorities reiterated that strict vigilance will continue in the coming days to ensure communal harmony, urging citizens to celebrate responsibly and adhere to official guidelines during the festive period.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Aman W
Good to see proactive security measures. In my city, the police have already started meetings with local committees. It's better to be safe. We should all follow the guidelines and not get carried away. A little sensitivity goes a long way.
R
Rahul R
While the appeal for peace is welcome, I feel a bit uneasy. Why should a religious leader have to tell people not to leave their homes till noon? Shouldn't mutual respect be automatic by now? We need to build that trust everyday, not just during festivals.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in a mixed neighborhood in Delhi, this coordination is crucial. Last year was peaceful because people talked to each other. Our colony committee is planning the Holi event timing so it doesn't clash with prayer times. Simple adjustments make all the difference.
K
Karthik V
The use of drones and social media monitoring is a smart move. Misinformation can spoil the atmosphere quickly. Hope everyone has a safe and colorful Holi, and Ramadan Mubarak to all observing! 🎨
M
Meera T
This is how we've always lived. In my mohalla, we share sweets during Eid and play Holi together. The media makes it seem like a big issue every time. Most Indians just want to live in peace and celebrate together. The authorities should support that, not make it feel like a law-and-order drill.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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