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'Jumma Time Cannot Be Extended': Darbhanga Mayor Anjum Ara Issues Controversial Appeal Ahead Of Holi

Arjun Brij

Mar 12, 2025, 10:31 AM | Updated 10:31 AM IST


People celebrating Holi
People celebrating Holi

With the festivals of Holi and Ramzan’s second Friday prayers coincing on 14 March, the Mayor of Darbhanga in Bihar has released a controversial statement.

In Darbhanga, Mayor Anjum Ara released a formal statement urging residents to pause Holi celebrations between 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm, citing the fixed timing of Jumma prayers, ANI reported.

“Jumma time cannot be extended, so there should be a two-hour break on Holi,” Ara said.

She also requested that Holi players avoid mosques and prayer areas during this period.

The mayor added, “Holi and Ramzan have been celebrated many times before and have been celebrated peacefully in the district.”

This comes days after Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal Circle Officer Anuj Kumar Chaudhary suggesting that those unwilling to participate or be exposed to Holi colours should stay indoors.

“We have requested to the Muslim community that if they cannot accept being coloured, then they should not come to the place where Holi is being celebrated. There are 52 'Jumma' (Fridays) in a year, but only one day for Holi. Hindus wait for Holi the whole year, just like Muslims wait for Eid... We have given a direct message that when people play Holi, and if they (Muslims) don't want colours to fall on them, then they should stay at home. And if they want to leave their house, they should be big-hearted enough not to object if colour falls on them...” he said.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath had backed the statement made by the UP police officer.

Also Read: Pune’s Metro Phase 2 Awaits Centre’s Nod: 61 Km Expansion With Two Corridors Can Transform Urban Commute

Arjun Brij is an Editorial Associate at Swarajya. He tweets at @arjun_brij


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