Shahjahanpur: Authorities in Shahjahanpur have implemented heightened security measures for the annual ‘Juta Maar Holi’ procession, covering mosques and mazars along the route with tarpaulin sheets to prevent damage and ensure safety during the centuries-old festival.

The unique tradition, celebrated on Holi, involves participants hurling shoes and sandals at a person dressed as a British-era ‘Laat Sahab’ riding a buffalo cart, accompanied by colour celebrations.

Superintendent of Police Rajesh Dwivedi said the procession will be monitored by over 200 magistrates and a 50% increase in security personnel compared with last year. The deployment includes four Additional Superintendents of Police, 13 Circle Officers, 310 sub-inspectors, 1,200 constables, and 500 home guards.

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Additionally, four companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary and Rapid Action Force, alongside a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, will be stationed along the route. Over 100 solar-powered CCTV cameras have been installed along the eight-kilometre route of the ‘Bade Lat Sahab’ and ‘Chhote Lat Sahab’ processions to ensure continuous surveillance during power outages.

To prevent crowd surges, authorities have barricaded 148 lanes opening onto the procession route. The event has been divided into seven zones, with 136 zonal, sector, and static magistrates overseeing the proceedings. 103 magistrates will also supervise Holika Dahan sites, from lighting the pyres to the completion of rituals. Preventive measures, including the exclusion of identified individuals and the opening of history sheets, have been undertaken to maintain law and order.

Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Rajneesh Kumar Mishra confirmed that 48 mosques and mazars along the route have been covered with thick plastic sheets. For the past month, peace committee meetings involving members of all communities have been held at police stations and outposts to ensure harmony during the festivities.

Historian Dr Vikas Khurana of Swami Sukdevanand College said the procession dates back to the 18th century, originating when Nawab Abdullaha Khan returned to Shahjahanpur in 1728 during Holi, prompting a joint celebration by Hindus and Muslims. The British administration later institutionalised the event in 1859. Post-Independence, the procession continued peacefully, and in 1988 it was renamed from ‘Nawab Sahab’ to ‘Lat Sahab’ by district magistrate Kapil Dev. The celebration traditionally begins with prayers at Phoolmati Devi temple before moving through the city.

A High Court petition in 1990 seeking to ban the procession was dismissed, with the court recognising it as a longstanding cultural tradition.

PTI