In India, during the time of Holi and before that festival of colours starts, it is a custom to cover all the major mosques in the city to prevent the Holi colours from going inside the Mosque. In Aligarh, it is a yearly practice to cover only the Shishewali Masjid to avoid the colours of Holi inside the Mosque. But this year, three mosques were covered – Thus breaking the annual custom.Peace between ReligionsAligarh is a sensitive place where the Holi festivals and other similar times will end in violence. The citys riot marches and other violent activities had always kept the surrounding polluted. Thus, the mosques in the area must be covered to prevent the stain of pollutants and dust. Hence, the mosques would be covered yearly, which has now become a practice in Aligarh. Aligarh and Shishewali Masjid at Abdul Karim Chhauraha were the only ones that would be covered. But this year, the Delhi gate and Kanwariganj were also covered to prevent the colours from tainting the mosques.Protection in AligarhThere required strength of the police force appointed in sensitive areas such as Holika Dahan and other rural regions lined with police officers to prevent any mishaps that threaten to appear. In case of any rogue actions, the SSP of the police have given the authority to make the needed effort and, most importantly, to update the higher officials on the proceedings.Conclusion During the Holi and other Hindu festivals, the Aligarh and other violence-prone areas are filled with police for peoples protection. The mosques are covered before the festival to prevent them from getting stained. The people are also advised to be careful around the mosque areas so that the colour does not touch the mosques or the Muslims. The SSP has permitted immediate enquiries and action to strengthen the protection further.
