New Delhi [India]: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Manoj Tiwari on Thursday urged the public not to compare Holi with Jumma, emphasizing that Holi is a once-a-year festival that deserves grand celebrations.
“There is no need to compare Holi and Jumma, but some people are doing so. Jumma is observed 52 times a year, whereas Holi comes only once and is a major festival. Those who wish to offer Jumma prayers are free to do so, but Holi will be celebrated in such a way that the world will take notice,” Tiwari stated while speaking to media.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also stressed the importance of maintaining harmony during both celebrations.
“Both Holi and Jumma will be celebrated. People will offer their Jumma prayers, and at the same time, there will be the ‘sevai’ of Ramzan and the ‘gujhia’ of Holi. The opposition does not want this harmony, which is why they make divisive statements,” Sharma told ANI.
Sharma, a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh, also addressed the decision to cover mosques in the state during Holi celebrations to prevent unwanted color splashes.
“This was done at the request of local Ulema. Every year, many mosque caretakers take the initiative to cover them, while some choose not to. We respect their decision,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police stepped up security across the national capital ahead of Holi. Officials conducted thorough security checks at key locations, including Dhaula Kuan, inspecting cars, bags, and two-wheelers to maintain order.
In Connaught Place, a police bike rally was held to reinforce security measures. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Devesh Kumar Mahla said, “Bike patrolling is being conducted on the occasion of Holi to maintain law and order.”
With preparations in full swing, authorities are committed to ensuring both festivals are celebrated peacefully and respectfully.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the Holi-Jumma issue, BJP MP Manoj Tiwari says, " There is no need to compare between Holi and Jumma, some people are doing it. Jumma doesn't come just once a year, it comes 52 times but Holi comes once a year and is a big festival. Those who want to offer… pic.twitter.com/k2KLWrQ461
— ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2025