Holi has Friday namaz at 2:30 pm in the praying hall of Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid.:

President of Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid Zafar Ali informed on Wednesday that the Holi rituals will dictate that the Friday prayers on March 14 will be held at 2:30 P.M. instead of the usual time.

He also added that the renovations and painting of the mosque is set to begin on Friday.

Sambhal has been tense after riots broke out on November 24 last year following a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid. In the violence that ensued, four people died, and many, including police officers, were hurt in the fighting.

In an interview with reporters, Ali asked both communities to put aside their differences and enjoy Holi while peacefully attending the Friday prayer afterwards.

Ali further asked citizens to steer clear of places where people are coloring for Holi and warned against mischievous behavior stressing that everyone has such people in their society.

Speaking about the administration's decision to put tarpaulins on the mosques, Ali said it is a commendable decision, and he fully supports it.

He remarked that in previous years, the same approach was taken, and this year, the authorities and law enforcement have adopted similar measures, too.

Addressing the issue of painting and renovation put forward by the Allahabad High Court, Ali, who is also a lawyer, said work commences from the main gate of the mosque. The rear walls are tarpaulin protected from Holi colors, so the painting for that area will be done post Holi. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) team will carry out these works, and the mosque committee will manage the entire restorative works. A police official of Sambhal said that Hindus will play Holi till 2:30 PM on the March 14th while Muslims will offer Jummah namaz after 2:30 PM within the town. He added that in advance of the celebration, 7 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary have already been stationed. During the festivities, the new instruction came in after a circle officer created a stir stating that Holi is a festival celebrated once a year whereas Jummah namaz is done 52 times a year. He advised that anybody who feels offended by Holi colors is free to remain at home on the holiday.

"Sambhal Superintendent of Police Krishan Kumar informed the reporters on the 7th of March that in anticipation of Holi and the second Friday of Ramzan happening simultaneously, seven PAC companies have been stationed within the city. There is total calm in the district and peace committee meetings are taking place at the mohalla level, he stated."