Holi 2025 advisory: Hyderabad, Cyberabad police prohibit throwing colours in public, unruly celebrations

Holi 2025: Hyderabad police and Cyberabad police issued notifications on Thursday, prohibiting the throwing of colours on unwilling people in public places and the movement of two-wheelers and other vehicles in groups during Holi celebrations. 

The festival of colours, Holi, will be observed across India on Friday, March 14.

This year, Holi falls on Friday, a day that also coincides with Friday prayers observed by the Muslim community.

Holi 2025: What is PROHIBITED in Hyderabad and Cyberabad?

Hyderabad Police Commissioner CV Anand, under Section 22 of the Hyderabad City Police Act, has prohibited:

1. Throwing colours or coloured water on unwilling persons, places and vehicles or smearing people with colour on public roads and public places, causing annoyance.

2. The movement of two-wheelers and other vehicles in groups on streets and public places, disturbing peace and order and or causing inconveniences, annoyance or danger to the public.

Police said this order shall be in force from 6 pm on March 13, 2025, to 6 am on March 15, 2025, in Hyderabad. In Cyberabad, the order will be in force from 6 am on March 14 to 6 am on March 15 in connection with the celebration of Holi festival 2025.

"The Public are hereby informed that any person violating the above order shall be liable for prosecution for violation under Sec.76 of “The Hyderabad City Police, Act 1348 Fasli,” the advisory read.

UP Police says ‘no new tradition should be allowed’

The Uttar Pradesh Police had on Wednesday issued guidelines ahead of Holi, stating that no new traditions should be allowed and festivals must be celebrated traditionally.

Police cautioned necessary and preventive action against anti-social elements based on past cases related to Holi. Additionally, in places where the Ramzan fast and Holi celebrations will be held together, the police will be alert and coordinate accordingly.

Since Holi coincides with Friday Ramzan prayers on March 14, special precautionary measures are being taken by UP authorities.

Ahead of the celebrations, BJP MLA Karnail Singh told ANI, " I request my Muslim brothers, our festival (Holi) comes once a year. We respect you, you also please respect our festival and offer Namaz at your homes only...we need to maintain peace...I request you to offer Namaz this time at your home only..."