Holi Celebrated At Sambhal’s Kartikeya Mahadev Temple After 46 Years

Holi was celebrated at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Khaggu Sarai amid tight security.

Devotees gathered at the temple and celebrated enthusiastically amid tight security.

Source : IANS

The festival of Holi was celebrated at Kartikeya Mahadev in Khaggu Sarai on Thursday for the first time in 46 years. The temple, also known as Bhasma Shankar temple, had been shut since 1978 following communal riots and was reopened last December.

Devotees gathered at the temple and celebrated enthusiastically amid tight security.

Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh: Holi was celebrated at Kartikeya Mahadev Temple after 46 years. Devotees applied colours and exchanged festive greetings pic.twitter.com/7oPzTfXuAN

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"Holi is being celebrated peacefully at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Khaggu Sarai. There is no need for anyone to worry. People are enjoying the festival in a secure environment," said Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shreesh Chandra, who also added that enough police forces have been deployed to ensure safety, according to PTI.

It is a 'fortune' says VHP

As per the PTI report, Anand Agrawal, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) district president, said, "After 46 years, we have had the fortune of playing Holi at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple. People from various social organisations have gathered here, celebrating (Holi) with flowers and colours.”

"The police have done a great job in maintaining security, and everyone is immersed in the festive spirit," said Priyanshu Jai, who participated in the celebration.

The temple is located close to Shahi Jama Masjid, a site which was embroiled in controversy last year in November due to communal violence that led to the death of four people. The problems began after some people protested during a court-ordered survey of the mosque.

The temple was reopened after the authorities said they had stumbled upon the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple housed an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling.