Twitterati complain of ban on Holi

To curb the growing number of covid cases, several states have banned Holi celebrations publicly and privately this year. In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a circular banning the festival on Friday, March 19.  Public celebrations of ‘Holi ka Dahan' (Holy Pier Burning) and Dhulivandan / Rang Panchami (Festival of Colours) have been banned this year.  Violation of the order will attract prosecution under the applicable sections of the Epidemic Disease Act 1897 and the Disaster Prevention Act, 2005.

The Delhi government has also imposed a ban on public celebrations of Holi, Shab-e-Barat and Navratri.  In addition, the Delhi government has ordered irregular screenings of corona virus at airports, railway stations and bus stations in Delhi. Many Indian states and cities, including Bihar, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, have imposed restrictions on Holi celebrations. The general reaction to the new orders is mixed.  Some appreciate the restrictions, while others criticize it.  The public in states where the government has not yet imposed a ban is calling for a ban so that the situation does not worsen.  However, despite the ban, most believe it is unfair to hold rallies for the election.