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Ayodhya: According to a prominent local cleric, Friday prayers at all mosques in Ayodhya will be rescheduled to take place after 2 pm this week to accommodate Holi celebrations.
Ayodhya Chief Cleric Mohammad Haneef issued instructions on Wednesday for this week's Juma Namaz—which is also the second Friday of the month of Ramzan.
Authorities in several areas are reviewing Namaz timings as Friday prayers are scheduled to overlap with Holi celebrations on March 14.
Ayodhya's District Magistrate, Chandra Vijay Singh, has assured that adequate security arrangements are in place for Holi celebrations. To further ensure harmony, peace committee meetings are being conducted to prevent any communal tensions from arising.
"Considering the timing of the Holi festival, we have directed all mosques to offer Juma prayers after 2 pm as the window for Juma prayers remains open until 4.30 pm," Haneef said to PTI.
"I have also urged all members of the Muslim community to be patient and generous during Holi. If anyone applies colour to them, they should respond with a smile and say 'Holi Mubarak' in the spirit of love and respect." "This is not the first time that Holi and Juma have coincided. This happens frequently, and it is an opportunity for us to foster unity," he said.
Haneef, also the 'ameer' of the Tablighi Markaz in Ayodhya, extended heartfelt Holi greetings to people. "We wish our Hindu brothers the very best for Holi. We share in their joy and stand with them in celebration," he said.
Ayodhya's District Magistrate, Chandra Vijay Singh, has announced that police personnel will be deployed at all Holika Dahan sites to maintain order and ensure a peaceful celebration. This year, Holika Dahan will take place on March 13. To prevent any potential incidents and guarantee public safety, the DM has stipulated that Holika Dahan will only be permitted at traditional sites, excluding any new locations.
"A control room has been set up to handle any emergencies. We are also stationing police personnel at all Holika Dahan sites to maintain order. The administration remains vigilant, especially as the holy month of Ramzan continues. Peace committee meetings are being held with religious leaders and prominent community members in both towns and villages to ensure peaceful celebrations," the DM said.
A circle officer in UP's Sambhal sparked controversy by suggesting those uncomfortable with Holi colours should stay indoors. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath backed the officer's remarks, calling them correct despite the blunt tone.
To accommodate Holi celebrations, Lucknow Eidgah's imam has instructed mosques to hold Juma Namaz at 2 pm. In Sambhal, a schedule has been set: Hindus will celebrate Holi until 2:30 pm on March 14, and Muslims will offer namaz afterwards.
The chief mufti of Aligarh, Khalid Hameed, urged Muslims to take all precautions to ensure that the festival of Holi passes off peacefully in a cordial atmosphere.
(inputs from PTI)