Devotees celebrated Holi at Kartikeya Mahadev in Khaggu Sarai in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal for the primary time in 46 years on Thursday amid tight safety.
Members of social and Hindu organisations took half within the celebrations on the temple, which reopened final December after being shut following riots in 1978.
Further Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shreesh Chandra mentioned sufficient police forces had been deployed to make sure a easy celebration.
“Holi is being celebrated peacefully on the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Khaggu Sarai. There isn’t a want for anybody to fret. Individuals are having fun with the competition in a safe setting,” he was quoted by information company PTI as saying.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) district president, Anand Agrawal, expressed his pleasure over the event. “After 46 years, we have now had the fortune of enjoying Holi on the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple. Individuals from varied social organisations have gathered right here, celebrating (Holi) with flowers and colors,” he mentioned.
Contributors additionally shared their pleasure and thanked the police for the safety preparations. “Police have carried out an amazing job in sustaining safety, and everyone seems to be immersed within the festive spirit,” mentioned Priyanshu Jain.
Concerning the Kartikeya Mahadev temple
The Kartikeya Mahadev temple is positioned near Shahi Jama Masjid, a website which has been on the centre of a authorized battle following communal violence on November 24, 2024. The violence had damaged out after a gaggle of individuals held a protest throughout a court-ordered survey of the mosque.
The temple, also referred to as Bhasma Shankar temple, was reopened on December 13 final yr after the authorities mentioned they stumbled upon the coated construction throughout an anti-encroachment drive. The temple housed an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling.
In February, prayers had been additionally held at Kartikeya Mahadev temple in Sambhal which was lately reopened after 46 years. The temple drew a big crowd of devotees from Sambhal and surrounding cities who gathered to supply ‘kanwar’ and carry out ‘jalabhishek’.
