The Colorless Holi: West Bengal's Shocking Ban in Santiniketan

The Holi festival has been banned at Sonajhuri Haat by the government of West Bengal to safeguard the green cover of the area. Near Visva Bharati University, a UNESCO World Heritage location, the ban is intended to avoid huge crowds and possible damage from colored water. Banners have been installed to discourage celebration and videography. Police and the forest department would jointly enforce the ban, banking on public cooperation. This comes after Visva Bharati ended public involvement in 'Basanto Utsav' in 2019, prompting more Holi festivities at Sonajhuri Haat. The BJP has condemned the action, threatening arrests if the ban is violated.

 

Source: Economic Times, Times of India, The Telegraph India