In Ujjain, the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and Mahakal Lok have completely banned colours and gulal during Holi. Devotees will not be allowed to play Holi inside the temple complex or Mahakal Lok. Entry on March 2 and 3 will be permitted only after strict security checks. This decision comes in the wake of a fire incident during the Bhasma Aarti on Dhulendi in 2024, when around 14 people, including priests, were burnt. Taking this into account, the temple committee has issued special guidelines for this year. Complete ban on colours in entire premises Bringing any type of colours or gulal into the temple premises, including Garbhagriha, Nandi Mandap, Ganesh Mandap, Kartikeya Mandap, and the entire Mahakal Lok area, is strictly prohibited. Throwing colours, using special devices to spread colours, or applying colours on each other is entirely forbidden. The 2024 Holi fire incident at Mahakaleshwar Temple had left 14 people with burn injuries. Gulal will be offered only symbolically During the Trikal Aarti of Lord Mahakaleshwar, 1 kilogram of herbal gulal will be offered symbolically in each aarti. The gulal will be provided by the temple’s Kothar branch during Bhasma Aarti, Shayan Aarti, and to the official priests. Rules also apply to employees and priests Checking at every gate, surveillance through CCTV Post navigation Schools cannot pressure for uniform and book purchase:8 SDMs will take action in Bhopal; Collector issued orders and formed teams ‘Who cares if we aren’t handsome, we have govt jobs’:6 constables make reels, say, ‘What if we don’t have clothes, we have uniform’; notice issued
