"Holi Celebrations to Pause for Friday Prayers in Darbhanga, Mayor Appeals for Harmony"
Darbhanga (Bihar), March 12: Ahead of Holi celebrations on March 14, which coincides with Friday prayers during the holy month of Ramzan, Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara has appealed to the city’s residents to observe a two-hour break from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.
The mayor emphasized the importance of respecting religious sentiments, stating, “Jumma time cannot be extended, so there should be a two-hour break on Holi.” She urged people celebrating the festival to maintain distance from mosques and prayer areas during this period to ensure communal harmony.
The appeal came following a peace committee meeting held by the district administration to discuss measures for a peaceful celebration. Anjum Ara also pointed out that both Holi and Ramzan have coexisted peacefully in the district multiple times in the past, reaffirming the importance of mutual respect.
Meanwhile, a recent statement by Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Kumar Chaudhary has sparked debate. During a peace committee meeting on March 7, Chaudhary suggested that those uncomfortable with colours should stay indoors as Holi is an annual celebration.
“Holi comes once a year, while there are 52 Jummas (Fridays) in a year. If someone does not want to be coloured, they should remain at home. Hindus wait for Holi just like Muslims wait for Eid. If they want to step outside, they should be big-hearted enough to not object if colour falls on them,” Chaudhary stated.
His remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as an attempt to prevent conflicts and others criticizing it as dismissive of religious sensitivities.
With Holi and Ramzan coinciding, authorities across different regions are appealing for cooperation and peaceful celebrations to maintain communal harmony.
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