Mosques Covered In Sensitive Areas Of Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur Ahead Of Holi

Mosques in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur have been covered with tarpaulin ahead of Holi

In preparation for the festival of Holi, authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Aligarh have taken precautionary measures to cover mosques in sensitive areas. According to news agency ANI, four mosques in the city have been covered with tarpaulin to prevent any untoward incidents. Similarly, mosques in Bareilly and Shahjahanpur have also been covered to avert any untoward incidents.

Circle Officer, City, Abhay Pandey informed reporters that discussions were held with religious leaders before deciding to cover the mosques, news agency PTI reported. The covered mosques include the Halwaaiyan mosque in the Sabzi Mandi area and another located at Delhi Gate. Additionally, a flag march was conducted in sensitive areas to promote peace, and police pickets were established in the old city areas, as reported by PTI.

Similar Measures In Bareilly And Shahjahanpur Ahead Of Holi

In a similar move, authorities in Bareilly and Shahjahanpur have also taken steps to prevent mosques from being smeared with Holi colours. Senior Superintendent of Police (Bareilly) Ghule Sushil Chandrabhan led a police march along the proposed route of the Ram Baraat procession, ensuring that all mosques on the route were properly covered with tarpaulin, according to a report by the Indian Express.

As part of the tradition, the Brahmpuri Ramlila Committee organises the yatra, and to maintain communal harmony, arrangements were made to cover the mosques. According to the report, SSP Ghule Sushil Chandrabhan stated, "We held a meeting with clerics in the district... All clerics expressed satisfaction with our arrangements."

Laat Saheb Ki Baraat Procession In Shahjahanpur

Similarly, in Shahjahanpur, preparations were made for the Laat Saheb ki Baraat procession, which features a unique tradition dating back to the 18th century. Residents participate in hurling footwear at the procession, symbolising resistance. The procession usually features a buffalo cart and a hapless man. Previously, it was called the Nawab Saab ki Baraat as the person sitting on the cart was depicted as a Nawab. However, after Independence, it came to be known as Laat Saheb ki Baraat in which the person on the cart depicts a Britisher, the report mentioned.