Sambhal: For the first time, Holi will be celebrated at 68 pilgrimage sites, administration alert regarding security.

Be careful: This time a different style will be seen in Holi in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. This time the festival will not be limited to just the streets and chaupals, but will also reach 68 recently identified ancient pilgrimage sites. On one hand there is an atmosphere of excitement in the city and on the other hand the administration has made strict arrangements to maintain peace. For the first time, preparations to celebrate mass theater festivals on such a large scale have created special curiosity among the people.

Nagar Hindu Sabha, Teerth Parikrama Committee and various temple committees have together prepared the outline of this special event. According to the plan, lamps will be lit and gulal will be offered at 68 pilgrimage sites and 19 wells. Organizers say that just as Holi is celebrated for several days in Mathura and Vrindavan, similarly the celebrations will expand in Sambhal this time.

It will begin with puja in the morning, Gulal Utsav in the afternoon and lamp donation program in the evening. There will also be bhajan evenings and children’s cultural programs at many places. The priests of the temples believe that the purpose of this event is to share the joy of revival of the pilgrimages with the entire society.

Strict preparations by the administration

Permission has been given for 64 processions in the city. For better arrangements the district has been divided into three parts. Magistrates will be deployed in 17 police stations and 27 quick response teams will continuously monitor them. The procession will take place as per the fixed route and time. Police force will be present at the front, back and on both sides so that there is no chaos. The district administration has decided the rules and guidelines with the organizers in the Aman Committee meetings. Arrangements have also been made to monitor noise limit, time limit and social media.

A circle of security amid sensitive situations

Due to recent developments the administration is extra cautious. Potential miscreants are being kept under watch. PAC, Rapid Reaction Force and additional police forces have been deployed. More than 250 CCTV cameras have been installed at major intersections and procession routes of the city. Crowds and activities will also be monitored through drones. Special attention is paid to the routes through which the processions will pass through sensitive areas. The administration says that the aim is only to celebrate the festival in a peaceful and respectful manner.

Colors business is also at its peak

The demand for colors has also increased before Holi. Gulal with sandalwood, rose, kewra and other fragrances has been prepared in local factories. The colors are created to be child safe and skin friendly. Colors are being supplied from Sambhal to many states, due to which the markets are vibrant.