Holi, the great Hindu festival of colors, falls on March 14, 2025. On this occasion, I appeal to Muslims and other non-Hindus, particularly in Pakistan and Bangladesh, to celebrate it alongside their Hindu brothers and sisters with great joy and enthusiasm.
Until 1857, there was no major communal discord in the Indian subcontinent. Hindus and Muslims coexisted harmoniously, like brothers and sisters, helping one another and participating in each other’s religious festivals. Hindus joined in the celebrations of Eid and Muharram, while Muslims actively took part in Holi and Diwali. Even Muslim rulers, including the Mughals and the Nawabs of Awadh, participated in these festivities.
However, in 1857, the great Mutiny broke out, in which Hindus and Muslims jointly fought against the British. After suppressing the uprising, the British realized that the only way to control and rule India was through the policy of divide and rule. To achieve this, they systematically injected communal discord into society through their local agents, year after year and decade after decade.
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As a result, Hindus and Muslims gradually stopped celebrating each other’s festivals, and communal divisions deepened. The time has now come for people of both communities to recognize this historical manipulation and actively resist communalism. One powerful way to do so is by reviving the tradition of participating in each other’s festivals, as was done in the past.
My earnest appeal to non-Hindus, particularly to Muslims in Pakistan and Bangladesh, is to celebrate Holi on March 14 with great enthusiasm, fervor, and unity. By doing so, we can strike a powerful blow against the divisive forces that seek to spread discord, hatred, and strife among us.
Markandey Katju is an Indian jurist and former Supreme Court judge of India who served as chairman for the Press Council of India. He has also worked as Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department.