Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: In preparation for the upcoming Holi festival, mosques in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, have been covered with tarpaulin sheets as a precautionary measure to maintain peace and communal harmony. This step, taken by the local administration, aims to prevent any festival-related activities from affecting religious sites.
Authorities have implemented similar precautions in previous years to ensure a peaceful celebration. Police and local officials are actively monitoring the situation using drones and CCTV cameras.
In Shahjahanpur, a similar measure has been taken ahead of the unique ‘Laat Sahab’ Holi celebration on March 14. This 300-year-old tradition involves a person chosen as ‘Laat Sahab’ being placed on a buffalo cart while people throw colors, shoes, and slippers at him.
Superintendent of Police Rajesh S stated, “We started the peace committee meeting a month ago and demanded the required number of security forces. Around 3,500 security personnel will be deployed. All mosques on both sides of the Laat Sahib procession route have been covered. We are keeping an eye on them through drones and CCTVs. All preparations have been made.”
Meanwhile, in Uttar Pradesh’s Gonda, a sweets shop has introduced the luxurious ‘Golden Gujiya’, priced at ₹50,000 per kilogram or ₹1,300 per piece. The extravagant sweet features a 24-carat gold layer and a special dry fruit filling, making it a standout attraction this festive season.
Shop manager Shivakant Chaturvedi explained, “The Golden Gujiya has a layer of 24-carat gold and a rich dry fruit filling, which makes it special.”
In Lucknow, a local sweet shop has made headlines by creating India’s largest Gujiya, measuring 25 inches and weighing 6 kilograms, earning a spot in the India Book of Records.
Pramil Dwivedi, Executor of the India Book of Records, said, “This Gujiya breaks all previous records. After thorough research, we confirmed that such a large Gujiya has never been prepared before.”
As Holi preparations continue across the country, markets are bustling with people buying colors, pichkaris, and festive essentials. Homes are being decorated, and kitchens are busy preparing traditional sweets like gujiyas, adding to the excitement of the upcoming festival of colors.