Colours & gulal banned during Holi celebrations at Mahakal temple

Ujjain: Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple management committee has once again imposed a ban on use of colours and gulal on the temple premises and adjoining Mahakal Lok during Holi celebrations on March 2 and 3.The move comes in the backdrop of the March 25, 2024 incident when after the Bhasma Aarti, gulal played inside the garbha griha triggered a fire that left priests, purohits and sevaks with burn injuries. One of the injured sevaks, Shri Soni, later died during treatment in Mumbai.This year, the administration issued detailed directions to ensure traditions are observed without risk. Only 1 kg of herbal gulal will be offered symbolically during each aarti of a day. The herbal gulal will be supplied by the temple's Kothar branch to the bhasma aarti priest, shayan aarti priest and the designated govt priest.Officials made it clear that carrying, throwing or applying colour in the garbha griha, Nandi mandapam, Ganesh mandapam, Kartikeya mandapam, the entire temple complex and Mahakal Lok will remain strictly prohibited.The restrictions apply uniformly to priests, their representatives, officials, police personnel, security staff, sanitation workers, sevaks, priests of smaller temples within the campus and all outsourced employees. Devotees too will not be allowed to enter with colours or apply gulal within the premises. Entry will be permitted only after screening.The temple control room will monitor all gates and sensitive spots through CCTV surveillance to prevent any attempt to bring in or use colours.