Tension in Kasganj (UP) village over granting a permanent spot for Holi celebrations

Hindus had warned of selling homes and moving elsewhere
The administration grants the space after Hindus’ demand

Kasganj (UP) – In the village of Sarai Junnardar in Kasganj, Hindu residents put up signs outside their homes reading “House for Sale.” They also announced that they would not celebrate the Holi festival this year. The community was seeking permission to light the traditional Holi fire at a designated site within the village, located near a mosque, which Muslim residents opposed. Following protests by Hindus, the Police intervened and resolved the dispute.

1. This village has a Muslim majority, but a few Hindu families also live there. Hindus staged protests demanding permission to light the Holi fire at a traditional location where it had been celebrated for several decades.

2. Local journalist Ayush Bhardwaj reported that during the previous Samajwadi Party Government, a mosque was constructed near the site where the Holi fire used to be held. Following its construction, the fire site was relocated to the outskirts of the village. This arrangement continued for a few years until a new Anganwadi (childcare center) was recently constructed at that site.

3. Hindus stated, “We cannot keep changing the location for Holi fire. We demand that permission be granted to resume the fire near the mosque, as it has traditionally been held there.” They protested and urged the administration to resolve the issue. They warned that if permission was not granted for the traditional site, they would not celebrate Holi this year and would abandon their homes and village.

4. On the other hand, Muslims insisted that the Holi fire should not be lit in front of the mosque. The administration engaged both parties in discussions and ultimately granted Hindus permission to light the Holi fire on Gram Panchayat land. Women Police officer Aanchal Chauhan confirmed that Hindu residents have now removed the protest signs, and the village remains peaceful.