Bhopal/Indore, March 3 With Holi being celebrated on Wednesday across Madhya Pradesh, security has been intensified, especially in major cities – Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and others, officials said on Tuesday.
Although Holi will be celebrated on Wednesday, a significantly strengthened security system was visible in the state capital Bhopal from Tuesday morning.
The state government has declared a holiday on Tuesday.
Following directives from Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, authorities are focusing on maintaining law and order, particularly in sensitive and high-risk areas.
Chief Minister Yadav had chaired a meeting with senior police officials on March 1.
The Madhya Pradesh Police has issued an advisory regarding Holi, cautioning citizens to be vigilant against cyber fraud during the festival, and also appealing not to share any objectionable posts on social media.
"Sharing any objectionable or edited content, photos, videos, or misleading posts related to Holi, or circulating or forwarding them through any social media platform, is a crime. The police have clarified that criminal cases will be filed against those who commit such acts and punitive action will be taken," the advisory issued by Madhya Pradesh Police said.
Indore Police Commissioner Santosh Kumar Singh on Tuesday said that extensive checks have been initiated across the city to ensure that people celebrate Holi while maintaining law and order.
He added that the Indore police have taken action against 543 miscreants and anti-social elements, including two individuals who were arrested for attacking people with knives in the last 24 hours, and have booked 280 drunk drivers under Section 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Drone patrols and police flag marches have been initiated since Tuesday.
Holi, popularly known as the 'festival of colors', is one of India's most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals.
It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and a fresh beginning.
The festival is marked by people smearing colors on each other, enjoying music, sharing festive delicacies, and spending time with family and friends.
The origins of Holi trace back to ancient Indian mythology.
One of the most well-known legends associated with the festival is the story of Prahlad and his aunt Holika.
According to the legend, the demon king Hiranyakashyap opposed his son Prahlad's unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Enraged by his son's faith, Hiranyakashyap conspired to kill Prahlad.