Hyderabad City Police Announces Holi 2025 Guidelines amid huge protest from Hindu group
Hyderabad, 12 March 2025: As the city gears up for the festive celebrations of Holi, Hyderabad City Police has issued strict guidelines aimed at ensuring public safety and maintaining order during the festival. The guidelines, issued by Commissioner of Police CV Anand on March 11, 2025, aim to curb any disturbances or potential hazards during Holi, one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals.
These new regulations, which come under Section 22 of the Hyderabad City Police Act, will be enforced from 6 pm on March 13, 2025, to 6 am on March 15, 2025. The move has sparked debates, particularly over the nature of the restrictions and their potential political implications.
Key Restrictions for Holi 2025 Celebrations
The police guidelines, focused on maintaining order and public safety, are designed to prevent any potential disturbances during the festivities. Key restrictions include:
- Prohibition on Throwing Colors on Unwilling Individuals: Participants are not allowed to throw colors or water on individuals who do not wish to partake in the celebrations. This is aimed at preventing unwanted altercations and maintaining consent-based celebrations.
- Smearing Colors on Vehicles or Public Spaces: Smearing colors on vehicles or public spaces without permission is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to property damage and create unnecessary public nuisance.
- Regulation of Group Vehicle Movements: The guidelines also prohibit group vehicle movements that could disrupt public order. Large gatherings on roads can cause traffic jams, accidents, and create chaos during a time when the city sees an increase in foot and vehicle traffic.
Violators of these guidelines will face legal action under Section 76 of the Hyderabad City Police Act, 1348 Fasli, which addresses offences such as refusing to comply with police directions or violating prohibitory orders. Punishments for violators can range from fines to more severe legal consequences, depending on the severity of the breach.
BJP MLA T Raja Singh Criticizes Holi Restrictions
While the guidelines are aimed at maintaining peace, they have led to political controversy. BJP MLA from Goshamahal, T Raja Singh, sharply criticized the restrictions imposed by the Telangana government. Singh accused the Congress-led government in Telangana of being biased against Hindu festivals, claiming that the restrictions on Holi celebrations are part of a broader pattern of discrimination against Hindus in the state.
“Ever since the Congress government came into power, Hindu temples have been attacked. Attempts are being made to ban Hindu festivals like Holi,” Singh stated, raising concerns about what he perceived as religious bias. The BJP leader pointed out that similar restrictions were imposed during other Hindu festivals, such as the Ganesh idol immersions and Diwali celebrations in previous years.
Singh’s comments were directed at Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who he accused of being anti-Hindu. In his speech, Singh drew a comparison between Reddy and the historic Nizams of Hyderabad, claiming that the current government’s stance on religious celebrations mirrors the Nizam’s approach to oppressing Hindus. “The Congress is trying to suppress Hindu traditions,” Singh added, referring to Reddy’s comments about being the “ninth Nizam,” a remark that Singh found controversial.
A Growing Debate Over Religious Tensions
The clash between the Telangana government’s restrictions on Hindu festivals and the BJP’s accusations of religious bias is not new. The Congress-led government’s policies, which include prohibitions on activities like Ganesh idol immersions in Hyderabad lakes and restrictive guidelines for Diwali, have sparked fierce debate in recent years.
Singh’s accusations against the government have found resonance among certain sections of the population, particularly those who feel that the state’s policies have been discriminatory towards Hindu traditions. On the other hand, the Telangana government has justified the guidelines as necessary for public safety, especially considering the large crowds that gather during festivals like Holi.
Why Public Safety Comes First During Holi
The primary goal behind the Hyderabad police’s Holi guidelines is to ensure public safety. Holi, though a joyful occasion, can sometimes lead to accidents, particularly when revelers engage in reckless behavior, such as throwing colors at strangers or driving through crowded streets. The prohibitions against smearing colors on vehicles or engaging in mass vehicle movements are in place to mitigate these risks.
In addition, public order is another key concern. Holi can bring large numbers of people to the streets, and managing such a high volume of traffic and crowds is a significant logistical challenge for the police. The restrictions aim to prevent traffic snarls, minimize the chances of accidents, and avoid public confrontations that could escalate into violence.
The Future of Holi Celebrations in Telangana
With Holi celebrations around the corner, the state’s guidelines are likely to be closely watched. For many, it’s about striking a balance between celebrating traditions and ensuring the safety of the public. The political debate surrounding these restrictions, however, indicates that this issue goes beyond safety concerns, highlighting deep divisions in religious and political ideologies.
As Holi approaches, both the police and the public must work together to ensure that the festival is celebrated in a way that honors tradition while respecting everyone’s right to safety and peace.