Goa, March 14 -- This situation has stirred up debate from Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections are still two years away, to Bihar, which is preparing for elections in just six months. This year, Holi coincides with a Friday and falls during the sacred month of Ramzan.

The discussion began in Sambhal, a town in UP that some have referred to as the "new Ayodhya." Circle Officer Anuj Chaudhary recommended that Muslims remain indoors for Friday prayers on Holi to allow for "uninterrupted" festivities. "Holi is a unique celebration that happens only once a year, while Fridays occur 52 times a year," said Chaudhary, a former wrestler turned police officer known as a 'super cop,' following a peace committee meeting.

He stated, "If members ...