On Thursday, people in Khaggu Sarai celebrated Holi at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple for the first time in 46 years. The event was joyful, with many social and Hindu groups taking part. The temple had been closed since 1978 due to riots but was reopened last December.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Shreesh Chandra reported that plenty of police officers were present to keep everyone safe. “Holi is being celebrated peacefully here at the temple. There’s no need to worry; people are enjoying the festival safely,” he said.
The temple is near Shahi Jama Masjid, which has faced issues related to communal violence, including an incident in November 2024 that sadly resulted in four deaths. This violence started after a protest during a court-ordered survey of the mosque.
Anand Agrawal, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) district president, expressed his happiness about the celebration. “It’s amazing to celebrate Holi at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple after so many years! People from different social groups are gathering here with flowers and colors,” he shared.
Participants were excited about the celebration and thanked the police for keeping everyone safe. One attendee, Priyanshu Jain, said, “The police have done a great job making sure everything is secure, and everyone is fully enjoying the festival.”
The temple, also known as Bhasma Shankar Temple, reopened on December 13 last year after the authorities discovered it during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple has an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling
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