Maharashtra Gears Up for Holi and Namaz: Guidelines Set for a Peaceful Celebration
Maharashtra Gears Up for Holi and Namaz: Guidelines Set for a Peaceful Celebration
As Maharashtra prepares for the upcoming Holi and Namaz celebrations, the state government has ramped up security measures to ensure peace and harmony. While these festivals are traditionally celebrated with mutual respect, certain districts have witnessed disturbances in the past, prompting Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, to implement a comprehensive security plan.
Political Tensions Add to Security Concerns
The political climate in Maharashtra remains volatile, following incidents such as the Beed sarpanch murder, Pune rape case, Dhananjay Munde’s resignation, and inflammatory remarks by Nitesh Rane and Abu Azmi. To prevent potential unrest, the Home Department has laid out strict security guidelines, particularly for Mumbai and sensitive districts.
Mumbai’s Holi Security Plan
Mumbai Police have intensified security in high-risk areas with significant Muslim and Hindu populations, including Mohammad Ali Road, Pydhonie, Byculla, Nagpada, Mankhurd-Govandi, and Bandra-Kurla Complex.
The guidelines for Holi celebrations include:
No use of abusive language or inappropriate music.
No offensive posters that could hurt sentiments.
No throwing of colored powder or balloons at strangers.
No forcing anyone to participate in Holi.
No collecting money in the name of the festival.
No harassment of women under the influence of alcohol.
No drunk driving or causing public nuisance.
Massive Police Deployment for Holi
To maintain law and order, Mumbai Police have deployed over 11,000 personnel, including:
Senior officers and regular police units
State Reserve Police Force (SRPF)
Riot Control Police (RCP)
Quick Response Teams (QRT)
Bomb Disposal Squads
Home Guards
Sensitive Districts Under High Vigilance
While Maharashtra has a strong tradition of interfaith harmony, authorities are extra cautious in districts with a history of tensions, including Malegaon, Sambhajinagar, Thane, Bhiwandi, and Nashik. Additional police forces, CCTV surveillance, and meetings with local leaders are part of the strategy to maintain peace.
With heightened security measures in place, the Maharashtra government urges citizens to celebrate responsibly and respect all communities.
