Varanasi: Muslim women in Lamahi village celebrated Holi with colours and gulaal at Vishal Bharat Sansthan, spreading a message of world peace and harmony. The event, Gulalotsav, saw Hindu and Muslim women come together, apply gulaal to each other’s faces, and dance to Holi songs. Organised by Muslim Mahila Foundation and Vishal Bharat Sansthan, the event aimed to promote unity and love.They said that Muslim countries are victims of religious hatred, torn apart by internal conflicts. Celebrating Holi could bring them together, fostering unity. They said India’s culture promotes embracing others through Holi’s colours, unlike some cultures that resort to violence.“Thankfully, we live in India, where the culture involves playing Holi with colours, not blood,” said MMF president Nazneen Ansari. Muslim countries should follow the path of Bhagwan Ram and Krishna — only then peace will come to their nations. “Violence, fundamentalism, and hatred have given the entire world nothing but terrorism. India has given the mantra of peace to everyone, and the festivals of this country are based on unity, brotherhood, and love,” said Ansari. “We strongly challenge those who spread hatred in the name of religion. Playing Holi with colours is not haram; rather, playing Holi of blood is haraam,” she said.Pandit Rinku Maharaj, Peethadhishwar of Badku Hanuman Ji Ashram, who took part in Holi, said that human sensitivity will survive only when there are colours in people’s lives.
