'We Celebrate Both Festivals With Peace & Harmony', Says Bhopal Religious Leaders; Affirm Harmony As Holi & Ramzan Coexist On Friday

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The religious leaders in the city say that Holi falling on Friday this Ramzan would not be a problem. Rangpanchami and Holi were celebrated on Fridays earlier too, they said. Bhopal has a long tradition of communal harmony and there is nothing to worry about jumma and Holi falling on the same day, they said.

They have also appealed to people in the city to ignore rumours doing rounds on social media and forward messages only after verifying their truth. According to Pandit Gopal Mehta, people should celebrate Holi and Ramzan cordially. “The communal harmony in Bhopal has never been disrupted till now,” he says, adding, “I was born and brought-up in Chowk area in front of Jama Masjid in Old City. We have never seen such problems.”

Antisocial elements can be of any religion. “Government should keep an eye on such people, Jumme ki Namaz and Holi both will be held peacefully. There will be no problems at all. I don’t know why people are creating a fuss over it?” Shehr-e-Qazi, Bhopal, Mushtaq Ahmed Nadvi said, “On many occasions Holi, and Ranpanchami fell on Fridays during Ramzan, nothing new in it. “We celebrate both the festivals in Bhopal with peace and harmony. And this tradition will continue. We will celebrate it in the same manner this time too.”

Police commissioner Harinarayanachari Mishra said police held meetings with the religious leaders and members of raksha samitis of both the communities to maintain peace and harmony on Holi. “Action has been taken against 1,046 people who have criminal records.” We are working on old crime records, especially related to NDPS. And such proceedings will continue,” Mishra added. Bhopal district collector Kaushlendra Vikram Singh said administration would make all arrangements to ensure peace during festivals.