Devotees and residents celebrated Holi by smearing each other with gulal and vibrant colours. The Kartik Mahadev Temple, also known as the Bhasma Shankar Temple has remained shut since 1978, after the communal riots rocked the city. It was reopened after 46 years on December 13, 2024 and many damaged idols were also recovered. The district administration has also covered at least ten mosques in the city with tarpaulin, falling in the route of ‘Chaupai’ processions during Holi. The decision to cover the mosques was taken after consultations and deliberations between religious heads of two communities mediated by the police, to ward off any mischievous attempt by hooligans. The temple, situated in Sambhal’s Khaggu Sarai area is situated just over a kilometre distance from Shahi Jama Masjid where violence took place last year, during a protest over a court-monitored survey of the mosque. Police personnel are deployed in adequate numbers and is well prepared to handle and tackle any incident,\” said ASP Shreesh Chandra.