Holi Chaos No More: UP Police Issues Strict Guidelines. Everything You Need to Know

Holi 2025: The Uttar Pradesh Police have announced stringent guidelines ahead of Holi 2025, aiming to maintain law and order during the festive season. With Holi coinciding with the Friday Ramzan prayers, the Uttar Pradesh Police have issued a directive prohibiting the initiation of new traditions during the festival. “No new tradition should be allowed to be started during festivals. All festivals should be celebrated traditionally,” the police stated.

In addition to the prohibition on new customs, the UP Police are ramping up efforts to prevent disruptions by identifying anti-social elements in advance. “After reviewing disputes and cases related to Holi in previous years, effective preventive action should be taken accordingly,” the authorities instructed. 

The Bareilly police, in particular, are focusing on enhancing their monitoring of social media platforms in the run-up to Holi, the Friday prayers, and Eid celebrations. Inspector General of Police, Bareilly range, Rakesh Singh, has urged media cell personnel to be well-versed in social media operations.

“Each district should evaluate the presence and activity of members in their Digital Volunteer Groups, ensuring effective coordination and information exchange,” Singh said.

To ensure proper coordination, districts with insufficient digital volunteers will have local police stations recruit more personnel. Police have also been instructed to maintain detailed records of digital volunteers. At least two skilled personnel at each station will handle media tasks.

Senior officers will counter misleading posts or videos through official video statements and media briefings. An integrated WhatsApp group will also be established for sharing crucial updates across districts.

In Sambhal district, which will host 16 fairs, authorities have heightened security measures. District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia confirmed that authorities have formed 27 quick response teams, set up zones and sectors, and deployed extensive surveillance with CCTV cameras and additional police personnel.

Meanwhile, BJP MLA Karnail Singh has called on the Muslim community to show respect for Holi by offering prayers at home. “I request my Muslim brothers, our festival (Holi) comes once a year. We respect you, and we ask that you also respect our festival by offering Namaz at your homes,” Singh stated.