Holi, the festival of colors, symbolizes joy, unity, and cultural heritage, yet it has increasingly become a target of hostility in recent years. A recent report highlights 37 incidents where Holi celebrations faced violent disruptions, threats, and planned attacks between 2016 and 2025. The most recent case, reported in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, reveals a shocking attempt to prevent Holi celebrations, with threats like “If you celebrate Holi, we will leave your bodies behind.” Such incidents raise serious concerns about religious intolerance and targeted violence. The report also includes a ‘Hate Map’ tracking 10 major locations where Holi celebrations have been hindered. As Holi 2025 approaches – scheduled for March 14, with Holika Dahan on March 13 – it becomes crucial to address these challenges and ensure that the festival retains its spirit of harmony and inclusivity.
Let us look at the incidents from recent to back dated.
March 3, 2025 – Aligarh Muslim University initially refused Holi celebrations
Hindu students at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) are outraged after being denied permission to organize a Holi Milan celebration. They have warned of escalating the matter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing discrimination as AMU allows other religious events on campus. Hindu students at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) were denied permission to hold a Holi Milan event at the NRSC Club on March 9, 2025, despite submitting a request through the proctor. After a high-level meeting, AMU authorities decided not to allow the celebration, sparking controversy.
It was after much outrage that the AMU had to revert its decision and grant permission for Holi celebrations
Islamists attack the Hindus on February 22, 2025 in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
In Hajiyapur Colony, Baradari Thana area (Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh), a group of Islamists attacked Hindus who were planning a Holi celebration. These Islamist youth issued issued death threats to the Hindus and warned them that, “If you celebrate Holi, we will leave behind bodies.” The incident created tension in the area, raising concerns about communal harmony and security. According to reports, the accused – identified as Ayan, Salman, Aman, Rehan, Bhura, and Alam, along with several others – threatened local Hindus, warning them with chilling statements like “If you celebrate Holi, we will leave behind your bodies.”
This incident highlights a growing pattern of targeted disruptions during Hindu festivals, emphasizing the urgent need for security measures and strict action against those attempting to spread fear and division.
Islamist youth throws boiling water at a Hindu girl who was playing holi on March 25, 2024 at Dhar
In a shocking incident in Ghatabillod village at Dhar in Madhya Pradesh, an Ismalist youth, Faizan, allegedly threw boiling water on Payal Tiwari, a Hindu girl who was celebrating Holi. The attack occurred when Payal’s father asked for water to wash the holi colours. As a result, Payal suffered severe facial burns and was rushed to the hospital for immediate treatment. Following the incident, the police arrested Faizan, and the case has sparked outrage, raising concerns over communal tensions and safety during festivals.
4 – March 25, 2024 – Agra, Uttar Pradesh
On Monday afternoon around 3 PM, a violent incident occurred in Netaji Nagar Rakabganj, where youths playing Holi were attacked with stones and assaulted by members of the minority community. The incident left two youths, Vishwajit Patra and Mithun Vishwas, injured, while houses were also targeted. Based on Vishwajit Patra’s complaint, police have filed a case against 34 named individuals, including Jamil, Salim, Rais, Shaukat, and others, along with 50 unidentified persons, under charges of rioting, stone pelting, and disturbing communal harmony. ACP Piyush Kant Rai stated that the dispute began over water falling from a building’s drainage system, and claims of pro-Pakistan slogans remain unverified.
5 – March 24, 2024 – Chengicherla, Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Telangana
A Muslim mob attacked Hindus celebrating Holi near a mosque, objecting to music being played during Namaz time. The attack, which took place on March 24, 2024, left several people, including women, injured. Reports suggest that the violence escalated after a dispute over loudspeakers, turning into a full-blown assault. Videos of the incident have gone viral, triggering outrage. The situation has created tensions in the area, with police stepping in to control the unrest.
6 – March 21, 2024 – Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh
A violent clash erupted at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on March 21, 2024, when Hindu students celebrating Holi were allegedly attacked by a group of Muslim students. According to reports, the attackers abused Mata Sita, held a gun to a student’s head, and demanded Jizya tax. Video evidence shows Hindu students being chased and beaten. An FIR has been filed under IPC sections 147, 148, 149, 153-A, 386, 323, and 504, and police have assured action against the culprits. The victims have warned of self-immolation if justice is not served.
7 – March 6, 2023 – Meerut, UP
A violent clash erupted in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, when a Muslim mob allegedly attacked Hindus collecting donations for Holika Dahan in Harinagar locality under Brahmpuri police station. As per reports, local leader Shehzad Mewati, along with his associates, insulted Holika, kicked it, and pressured Hindus to convert to Islam. When objected to, Shehzad and his group brutally assaulted Hindu youths Amit and Mullu, leading to a violent clash. Stone-pelting continued for nearly 30 minutes, damaging several vehicles.
Following the escalation of violence, police from multiple stations were deployed to restore order. Three people have been detained, while Amit and Mullu sustained serious injuries. SP City Piyush Singh stated that investigations are underway, eyewitness accounts are being recorded, and strict action will be taken against those responsible.
8 – February 28, 2023 – Varanasi, UP
Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has imposed a ban on Holi celebrations on campus, prohibiting students from gathering in public spaces, playing music, or engaging in festive activities. The university administration has issued an official notice enforcing the restrictions, citing the need to maintain discipline. However, the decision has sparked widespread opposition, with many students and organizations expressing their displeasure. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has strongly criticized the move, calling it a “Tughlaqi decree.”
9 – March 4, 2023 – Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh
In Moradabad, Imam Sadakat Hussain allegedly threatened violence if a Holi procession passed in front of a mosque. During a peace committee meeting at Bilari Kotwali on March 4, he warned that such a route would lead to riots and clashes. Following the threat, the police registered an FIR against him.
10 – March 2, 2023 – Jamia University, Delhi
A controversy erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia University on March 1, as some individuals protested against the Holi Milan celebrations, raising religious slogans like “Allah-ho-Akbar” and “Naara-e-Takbir.” Videos of the incident have gone viral on social media, showing students disrupting the event. Some students have alleged that certain groups within Jamia frequently try to disturb the campus atmosphere and are demanding strict action against them.
11 – March 2, 2023 – Jaipur Rajasthan
The Gehlot government has imposed Section 144 in Rajasthan on Holi, restricting public gatherings. The BJP has strongly opposed the move, with a party MP sharing the district collector’s order on Twitter to criticize the state government. In response, CM Ashok Gehlot’s OSD, Lokesh Sharma, countered by sharing instances of Section 144 being imposed in Yogi Adityanath’s Uttar Pradesh, escalating the political debate.
12 – March 7, 2023 – Sindh, Pakistan
In a shocking incident in Sindh, Pakistan, 60-year-old Hindu doctor Dharam Dev Rathi was brutally murdered just before Holi. His driver, Hanif Laghari, allegedly stabbed him to death at his Hyderabad residence following an argument on March 7, 2023. The doctor’s cook, Dilip Thakur, who informed the police, was also injured in the attack. The Young Consultants Association Sindh (YCAS) condemned the murder, calling for a thorough investigation and strict punishment for the accused. The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of minorities in Pakistan.
13 – March 7, 2023 – Lahore, Pakistan
In Lahore, Pakistan, Hindu students at Punjab University were attacked and forcibly stopped from playing Holi by members of the Islamic Student Organization (IJT). Around 30 Hindu students had gathered at the university’s Law College with prior permission, but they were brutally beaten and thrown out by security guards after being assaulted. 15 students were injured, yet the police did not register an FIR, raising concerns over the safety and rights of religious minorities in Pakistan.
14 – March 1, 2023 – Delhi University, Delhi
Delhi University (DU) has issued a ban on Holi celebrations across its campuses, prohibiting any festive gatherings. In response, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has strongly opposed the decision, calling it Hinduphobic and demanding its immediate withdrawal. The ban has sparked controversy, with ABVP insisting that such restrictions unfairly target Hindu festivals.
15 – March 7, 2023 – Medak, Telangana
In a shocking incident in Marpally, Medak district, a Holi reveller, B. Anjaiah, was set ablaze by Mohammed Abdul Shabbir after throwing colour at him. Enraged, Shabbir poured petrol from his two-wheeler on Anjaiah and set him on fire. Villagers rushed to rescue Anjaiah, who suffered critical burns and was admitted to Gandhi Hospital’s ICU. The police have registered a case of attempt to murder against Shabbir, and Anjaiah remains in critical condition.
16 – March 7, 2023 – Bikaner, Rajasthan
On March 7, during Holi celebrations in Kuchilpura, Bikaner, Mohammed Talha, Niyaz, and Akhar allegedly opened fire with the intention of harming Sawai Singh. Fortunately, he managed to escape unhurt. The Bikaner police have arrested the accused, and further investigation is underway.
17 – March 7, 2023 – Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
In Greater Noida, a man named Manish Sharma was allegedly killed after being invited to celebrate Holi by Rashid and Salman. According to Additional DCP Ashok Kumar, Manish’s family was informed that the accused were seen carrying his unconscious body on a bike, attempting to dispose of it. Locals raised an alarm, leading to their capture. Based on a complaint by Manish’s brother, Happy Sharma, a murder case was registered against Rashid and Salman, and both were arrested.
18 – March 3, 2023 – Hyderabad, Telangana
In Balarpur, a group of three Muslim youths brutally attacked and killed 18-year-old Pawan while he was celebrating Holi. The assailants continued beating him mercilessly until he died on the spot. The police have arrested all three accused, and the incident has sparked outrage, raising concerns over communal violence during festivals.
19 – March 7, 2023 – Kalindi Kunj, Delhi
On March 7, during Holi celebrations in Dibiyapur, a shocking incident occurred where Hindus were attacked. In Kalindi Kunj, a young man faced police action for playing a DJ at high volume during Holi celebrations. After receiving complaints, the police confronted the youth, leading to a heated argument that soon escalated. The police allegedly beat the young man in public and took him away, an incident that was captured on video and went viral on social media.
20 – March 18, 2022 – Bihar
In Rajora village, Muzaffarpur, a Muslim mob launched a violent attack on Hindus during Holi celebrations. When police tried to control the situation, the attackers assaulted them as well. Armed with sticks and rods, the mob critically injured over 20 Hindus. In response, Begusarai police have registered an FIR against two named and several unidentified individuals. The incident has raised concerns over communal tensions in the area.
21 – March 18, 2022 – Dhanbad, Jharkhand
A specific community obstructed a Holi procession, leading to tensions. When Hindu participants insisted on celebrating, a Muslim mob allegedly attacked them. The situation escalated, and the crowd also targeted SDPO and police vehicles. Following the attack, police resorted to a lathi charge to bring the situation under control. Cases have been registered against the accused, and the Topchanchi police are taking action against those involved.
Islamists pelt stones on Hindus celebrating Holi in UP’s Sambhal on March 18, 2022
In Khaggu Sarai, a Muslim mob allegedly attacked Hindus celebrating Holi, accusing them of applying color forcibly on Mosque. The attack involved stone pelting, leaving several Hindus seriously injured. Following the incident, the Sambhal administration has registered a case against 150 unidentified people, and an investigation is underway. The incident has raised concerns over communal tensions during festival celebrations.
Islamists attack Hindus for playing DJ on Holi in Amroha in UP on March 18, 2022
During Holi celebrations in Changa village, Amroha, a conflict broke out when a DJ was playing while a religious procession for Namaz was passing by. The Namazis objected to the loud music, leading to a violent clash, in which two Hindu men, Aadesh and Bunty, were seriously injured. The police intervened and have arrested three Muslim accused involved in the violence.
Islamists attack Hindu youths on holi in Lal Dhang in Haridwar on March 19, 2022
In Lal Dhang, a group of Muslim youths allegedly attacked Hindus celebrating Holi. During the assault, Sunil Saini was seriously injured, suffering a severe head injury. The police have arrested the accused and taken them into custody.
ISKON temple attacked on Holi in Dhaka, Bangladesh on March 17, 2022
During Choti Holi, a mob of around 150 Muslim extremists led by Shafiullah attacked the ISKCON temple in Lal Mohan Saha Street, Dhaka. The attackers vandalized the temple and caused destruction, injuring three saints and several Hindu devotees. Following the attack, Dhaka police registered a case against the violent mob, and the incident has raised concerns over the safety of religious minorities in the region.
Islamist youth attack Hindus playing Holi on March 18, 2018 in Bareilly , Uttar Pradesh
In Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, a Muslim mob allegedly attacked Hindus during a Holi fair on March 18. The attackers accused Hindus of throwing gulal near a mosque and began assaulting them. Several people were beaten in public, and those who tried to intervene were also attacked. Even the police faced misbehavior while controlling the situation. Authorities have arrested two Muslim men in connection with the incident.
Anti-holi posters came up at JNU campus in delhi on March 18, 2016
At Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), anti-Holi posters were spotted, labeling the festival as “misogynistic and anti-Dalit.” The posters claimed that Holi promotes gender-based exploitation and questioned the patriarchal and Brahmanical traditions behind the festival. They further argued that Dalit and marginalised women have historically faced harassment during Holi. The incident has triggered debates on campus, with strong reactions from different student groups.
Online Incident of 2025: Holi Festival Under Attack
On February 20, 2025, Bollywood actor and choreographer Fahman Khan sparked controversy with his derogatory remarks about Holi during a live session at a mosque. He allegedly stated, “Holi is a festival for low-class people,” which led to outrage. Following complaints, the police registered an FIR against him on February 21, 2025, for insulting religious sentiments.
Online Incidents of 2023
● A misleading narrative was spread by Swiggy on Holi. In response, many Hindu users strongly opposed this propaganda, urging people to uninstall the app and boycott the page responsible for spreading such misinformation. The #BuraMatKhelo campaign gained traction as a counter-movement against the targeted attempt to suppress Holi celebrations.
● Holi advertisement suggested that women face harassment during Holi celebrations. The ad highlights that many women have stopped celebrating Holi due to such incidents. It also includes a message encouraging women to celebrate Holi freely and choose how they want to enjoy the festival.
● On Holi, Times of India put up a clickbait hoarding, stating that “there is no Holi for poor Hindus.” However, the actual news was about polluted air and rising temperatures, unrelated to the festival. The misleading headline sparked criticism, with many accusing the publication of deliberately targeting Hindus during their celebrations.
● On March 8, Saba posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing displeasure over Holi celebrations in her street. She criticized the festival, stating that “Mahila Federation” (Women’s Federation) does not exist, but Holi does.” Her remark sparked reactions online.
● An article published by ‘Times of India’ claimed that Holi is an anti-women festival, sparking controversy. It argues that during Holi celebrations, women face harassment and misbehavior, spreading a negative narrative about the festival.
● Social media circulated false claims that 35,000 arrests were made and over 250 deaths occurred in Delhi due to Holi-related communal violence. However, the Delhi Police dismissed these reports as misleading and baseless, stating that the arrests were related to general law enforcement and had no connection to Holi.
Online Incident of 2020: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) again stirred controversy by spreading propaganda against Holi, labeling it as an “animal-cruelty festival.” On the occasion of Holi, PETA shared a post alleging that the festival harms animals, drawing backlash from many who see it as an attack on cultural traditions.
Online Incidents of 2019
Former Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad has stirred controversy by calling Holi an anti-women and communal festival. He urged the Dalit community to distance themselves from it, labeling it a majoritarian and oppressive tradition. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of promoting divisive rhetoric.
On the occasion of Holi, Surf Excel released an advertisement that sparked controversy, with many accusing it of propaganda. The ad depicted a Hindu girl protecting a Muslim boy from getting coloured, promoting the tagline “Daag Achhe Hain” as “Rang Laaye Sang.” This led to widespread outrage, with people calling for a #BoycottSurfExcel campaign on social media.
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