Mosques in UP closed as precaution ahead of Holi celebrations

Several mosques across Uttar Pradesh, including in Aligarh, Sambhal, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur, have been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure ahead of the Holi festival.

The state administration, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has implemented extensive security arrangements, particularly in areas where mosques are located along the route of the traditional Laat Saheb procession.

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Authorities have covered major mosques with tarpaulins and adjusted namaz timings for a day. In Sambhal, around 10 mosques, including Shahi Jama Masjid, Ladania Masjid, and Gol Masjid, have been covered. Security has been tightened around key religious sites. The namaz timing has been shifted to 2:30 PM as an additional safety measure.

In Aligarh, prominent mosques like Halwaiyan Masjid in Abdul Karim Chowk and those at Kanwariganj and Delhi Gate intersections have been closed. Officials emphasize that these steps are being taken to ensure peace and prevent any communal tensions.

Similar actions have been taken in Bareilly and Shahjahanpur. A mosque in Bareilly’s Malukpur has been closed, and police have conducted flag marches to maintain order. Reports suggest that 67 mosques in Shahjahanpur have been closed, with 20 of them covered by tarpaulins.

The Laat Saheb procession, a unique Holi tradition, involves a person dressed as a British officer being paraded on a bullock cart while revelers throw shoes at him, marking the beginning of festivities.