Holi 2025: UP Police issues guidelines, says ‘no new tradition should be allowed’

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

The police have cautioned necessary and preventive action against anti-social elements based on past cases related to Holi.

Additionally, the places where the Ramzan fast and Holi celebrations will be held together, the police will be alert and coordinate accordingly.

Ramzan prayers and Holi celebrations

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

Speaking on the upcoming festivities, 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..."

Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary has asked the Muslim community to stay indoors on Holi to avoid getting coloured.

“We have requested to the Muslim community that if they cannot accept being coloured, then they should not come to the place where Holi is being celebrated. There are 52 'Jumma' (Fridays) in a year, but only one day for Holi. Hindus wait for Holi the whole year, just like Muslims wait for Eid... We have given a direct message that when people play Holi, and if they (Muslims) don't want colours to fall on them, then they should stay at home,” Chaudhary said.

Tightened security in Sambhal 

Meanwhile, authorities have tightened security measures in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh due to Holi 2025.

“The procession of fairs will be taken out tomorrow. The total number of fairs is 16. We held peace committee meetings in every locality and village and two committee meetings at the district level. We have formed 27 quick response teams. We have created a total of six zones and 29 sectors and deployed magistrates and police officers in each one,” Sambhal DM Rajendra Pensia told ANI.

“SHOs of every police station and all magistrates have been asked to patrol the hotspots. PAC battalions have been deployed for three-tier security as before... 250 CCTV cameras have been installed, and with the help of the municipality, 100-150 additional CCTVs are installed during every festival. Surveillance has been done with drones once and will be done once more. A flag march was conducted under the leadership of the DIG,” Pensia added.