In This UP Town, Over 60 Mosques Get Tarpaulin Shields as Protection from 'Joota maar' Holi

Shahjahanpur- Authorities in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh have implemented an unusual protective measure by covering more than 60 mosques with tarpaulin sheets ahead of the district's famous "Joota Maar Holi" celebrations.

This distinctive festival, known for its chaotic 10-kilometer processions where participants playfully throw shoes, has prompted officials to take preemptive steps to safeguard religious structures.

The decision follows collaborative discussions between district administrators and religious leaders seeking to prevent mosques from being accidentally splashed with colors or hit by footwear during the exuberant festivities that draw thousands of participants.

Beyond the physical barriers, security plans include enhanced police presence in military uniforms and drone surveillance to monitor activities around religious sites throughout the celebrations.

Superintendent of Police Rajesh S. praised the community's cooperative spirit, noting that "We've implemented protective coverings for mosques and deployed specialized security around all religious structures. Our monitoring includes both video recording and aerial surveillance to ensure safety."

The Muslim community has reportedly welcomed these protective measures, recognizing them as beneficial for maintaining peaceful celebrations. Religious leaders endorsed the initiative after participating in peace committee meetings with local officials.

Officials express confidence that these precautions will help preserve Shahjahanpur's tradition of "Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb" – the distinctive cultural harmony between Hindu and Muslim communities – while allowing festivities to proceed without disruption.