Rajapur: Hindus enraged as Muslims break Holi tradition

• Tension after Holi tree was taken into mosque premises: Case registered against 13 people

• Anti-Hindus make a hue and cry stating Holi tree was forcefully taken into mosque premises by conveniently ignoring the tradition

• Rajapur’s old tradition of touching the Holi tree to the steps of the mosque

(Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb is a culture that represents so-called unity between Hindus and Muslims living on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Only Hindus are pressured to follow it.)

Rajapur (Dist. Ratnagiri) – During the traditional procession of carrying Holi tree during Shimgotsav, a clash broke out between Hindus and Muslims near the mosque in Jawahar Chowk here. It is an age-old tradition to touch the Holi tree to the steps of the mosque, but this year, the gates of the mosque were closed. When the Hindus who had gathered there tried to enter the mosque premises, they were pushed away. Angered by this, the Hindus threw Holi tree inside the premises. The video of the incident has been circulated on social media. Tension increased as both the groups raised slogans. The Police, while handling the situation, have registered a case against 13 people for sloganeering and illegal assembly.

By broadcasting this video, anti-Hindu media outlets like ‘BBC’, ‘The Quint’, ‘Alt News’ etc. have conveniently ignored the issue of tradition and targeted Hindus. Meanwhile, the Police have appealed to everyone to maintain peace and have assured that action will be taken against those spreading rumours. They have also claimed that the misleading video has been removed. In reality, the video is still being broadcast on ‘X’. The situation has now normalised and a large Police presence has been deployed in the area.

Sequence of events

This incident took place at 7:30 p.m. on March 12th at Rajapur’s Jawahar Chowk during the Shimga procession. This procession is held every 5 years. It carries wood for Holi and ends at the Dhopeshwar temple. As per tradition, the Holi tree is kept on the steps of the mosque for a few minutes on the way. This is done in honour of Goddess Ninadevi. This procession has always been held in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere. However, this year, the entrance to this mosque was closed, as per the local media. Unrest spread here after a video of an alleged attack at the entrance of this mosque went viral.

Police refute reports that Hindus tried to forcefully enter the mosque

Ratnagiri District Superintendent of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni said that the traditions in Konkan are different. According to tradition, the ‘Holi tree procession’ is brought to the door of the mosque and the Holi tree is touched to the steps of the mosque. Every year, Muslims participate in this procession. Traditionally, the honour of offering coconuts to welcome this procession is given to Muslims; however, sloganeering and aggression took place during this procession this year. We have registered a case under Section 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act for unlawful assembly. The Police are investigating the matter. The situation is calm and there is no law-and-order issue there.

Those engaged in anti-national activities must be punished : Guardian Minister Uday Samant

Guardian Minister Uday Samant

If we try to create a rift between religions, I think this problem will affect everyone. If there is a mistake, then action should be taken against the culprit for sure. Those who love this country and live here as citizens must be protected; but those living in the country and engaged in anti-national activities, must be punished.

The situation in Rajapur is under control, don’t unnecessarily provoke : MLA Nilesh Rane

MLA Nilesh Rane

Ratnagiri – All festivals and celebrations in Konkan are celebrated peacefully. The situation in Rajapur has also been brought under control and we will not let Konkan burn until then. MLA Nilesh Rane appealed that some self-proclaimed social media handles should not spoil the atmosphere.

MLA Rane further said, “Only a specific part of the incident that happened during this Holi procession is being shown. Nothing has happened during this festival in Konkan for so many years, and this will not be allowed to happen again.”

Editorial Perspective

Those who endorse the so-called ‘Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb’ are not speaking a word against Muslims, who are breaking the harmonious tradition of Holi that has been going on for years. On the other hand, Hindus who are trying to follow the tradition are being harassed. Don’t forget that this is a conspiracy by anti-Hindus.