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As Holi festival and Friday prayers will be observed on the same day on March 14, Parmarth Niketan Ashram President Swami Chidanand Saraswati called to respect each other's religions.
Speaking to ANI, Swami Chidanand Saraswati said, "People from nearly 75 countries are present here at the ashram to experience the unique culture of India. Be the best version of yourself. There is no need to change your religion, but at the same time, ensure you respect each other's religion. 'Thoda samay aage piche ho jaye to hone dijiye, khud ko aage piche mat kijiye (Let it be if there's a little delay or difference in time, but don't let yourself fall behind or ahead)." In Uttar Pradesh, following a decision by the local administration, several mosques were covered with tarpaulin sheets ahead of the Holi festival. The move aims to prevent any untoward incidents and maintain communal harmony during the celebrations. The Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal was covered with a tarpaulin sheet on Wednesday ahead of the Holi festival, following the local administration's instruction. In some states, Friday prayer was postponed to the afternoon to avoid overlapping with Holi festival on March 14. Friday Namaaz prayers in mosques in the cities of Haridwar in Uttarakhand and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh have been postponed to the afternoon. Similarly, the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board has decided to reschedule Namaz in mosques across the state this year, as Holi celebrations coincide with Friday prayers. An official directive has been issued to all mosques regarding this change. As per the directive, the Friday prayers, which are usually held between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM, will now take place between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM on March 14. Speaking on the decision, Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Chairman Dr. Salim Raj said, "The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has decided that, considering the festival of Holi, Friday prayers will be held between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM in all mosques. Previously, the prayers were conducted at 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM, but now they will be held later in all mosques across the state. Chhattisgarh has become the first state in the country to implement such a change in mosque prayer timings." (ANI)
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