There is a continuous attack on Hindu festivals. In the latest, Delhi university has circulated a notice not allowing students to play Holi. Showing its anger, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, on March 4, said that Hinduphobic guidelines prohibiting the celebration of Holi across campuses must be withdrawn.
“Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad demands that guidelines on the prohibition of Holi celebration across various universities across the nation, including Delhi University etc., that associate Holi with words like hooliganism that have negative connotations must be withdrawn with immediate effect. Such guidelines portray a festival of Joy and happiness like Holi in a negative light,” said ABVP.
ABVP said, “Holi is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil. The festival carries the message of burning our vices and becoming better people. Holi also has social significance; people come together and bury their hatchets, celebrating the festival as one, coloured in the same colours irrespective of class, creed, and social and economic stature. This sense of oneness is the essence of Holi. To call this festival hooliganism is truly far from reality and unfortunate.”
Yagyawalkya Shukla, National General Secretary, ABVP, said, “The notice released by DU on the prohibition of Holi celebration is absolutely unpleasant and an indicator of intellectual bankruptcy. Such unwanted directions present a nationwide celebration like Holi in bad light instead of propagating the message that the festival stands for. All educational institutions must take back such notices and must abstain from making such foul remarks. Educational institutions must abstain from making such Hinduphobic remarks on cultural subjects and change their biased attitude.”
Notably, On February 28, BHU’s Chief Proctor, Professor Abhimanyu Singh, issued the circular stating, “All the teachers, staff and students at Kashi Hindu University campus are informed that playing Holi, making noise, playing music in public places on the campus is completely prohibited. In this regard, all directors, faculty heads, and administrative patrons are requested to take administrative action against those who do so. Furthermore, make the students aware of this and ensure necessary action in such a situation.”
However, on March 4, BHU revoked the ban on the Holi celebration following student protests and social media backlash.
Also, It is pertinent to note that certain Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMIU) students protested against Holi celebrations on the JMIU campus. Reportedly, on March 1, the protesting students created a ruckus during the ‘Rangotsav’ event organised by JMIU’s YUVA chapter to celebrate Holi, which will be observed on March 8.
