Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said Holi is on March 14, Friday. “If anyone wants to read the Friday prayers, they can do so at their home. It’s not necessary for them to go to mosque,” the chief minister said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath seconded a circle officer’s remark on Holi and Jumma namaz, and said one must accept the truth. He said that Holi is on March 14, Friday.
“If anyone wants to read the Friday prayers, they can do so at their home. It’s not necessary for them to go to mosque,” Yogi Adityanath said.
“And even if they want to go to the mosque, then they must not avoid colours. The police official was telling them the same,” Adityanath added.
He defended the officer’s statement saying that he is a “pehelwaan” and many could find his statement unpleasing.
Adityanath said this while speaking at Indian Today Conclave while responding to a question on Sambhal CO Anuj Chaudhary’s remarks.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently addressed the overlap of Holi festivities and Friday prayers on March 14, 2025. He suggested that while Friday prayers (Jumma Namaz) occur weekly, Holi is an annual event. Therefore, he proposed that those wishing to offer prayers could do so at home to accommodate the celebrations.
This statement came in support of Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary’s earlier remarks, advising individuals uncomfortable with Holi colors to remain indoors during the festival. Chaudhary emphasized that Holi is celebrated once a year, whereas Friday prayers are held 52 times annually.
Adityanath acknowledged that while the officer’s delivery might have been blunt, the underlying message was factual and should be accepted.
These remarks aim to promote communal harmony and ensure that the festivities proceed without disruptions, respecting both the significance of Holi and the regular practice of Friday prayers.
Chaudhary had told reporters on Thursday, “Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday prayers take place 52 times a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay indoors on that day. Those who step out should have a broad mindset as festivals are meant to be celebrated together.”
He emphasised the need for communal harmony and strict vigilance to maintain law and order. He said peace committee meetings are going on for a month to ensure smooth Holi celebrations, news agency PTI.
The CO also urged both Hindus and Muslims to respect each other’s sentiments and also appealed to people to avoid forcibly applying colours on those who do not wish to participate in the Holi celebrations.
“Just as Muslims eagerly await Eid, Hindus look forward to Holi. People celebrate by applying colours on each other, sharing sweets and spreading joy. Similarly, on Eid, people prepare special dishes and embrace each other in celebration. The essence of both the festivals is togetherness and mutual respect,” he was quoted as saying.