Tensions are rising in Uttar Pradesh as Holi approaches, fueled by a provocative letter from Falahari Maharaj, the prominent figure in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Idgah mosque legal battle. Addressing CM Yogi Adityanath directly, he has urged authorities to bar Muslim traders from the lucrative Holi color market, citing risks to the festival’s sanctity.
In his communication, Maharaj highlighted potential adulteration threats, warning that hostile forces might spike colors with harmful substances like glass shards, endangering devotees. Speaking exclusively, he emphasized, ‘Such precautions are essential to avoid unfortunate incidents and protect Hindu sentiments during our holy occasions.’
He further advocated restricting Muslim vendors from temple vicinities, including major sites in Mathura, arguing that festival commerce should remain exclusively with Hindu merchants to thwart subversive agendas.
Renowned for his austere lifestyle, Falahari Maharaj has been on a fruit-only diet for four years, pledging to end his fast only after the mosque’s demolition at Janmabhoomi. His unyielding stance has long polarized opinions.
This development has thrust economic segregation and communal unity back into the spotlight. Proponents frame it as cultural self-preservation, opponents as a blow to longstanding syncretic traditions. Official silence from the government persists, yet the controversy shows signs of snowballing into a larger political flashpoint.