MEERUT, March 3 -- Authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal have intensified preparations to ensure that the festival of Holi passes off peacefully and in a spirit of communal harmony, with extensive preventive arrangements put in place across the town.

As part of these measures, around 10 mosques, including the historic Shahi Jama Masjid, have been completely covered with large tarpaulins to prevent any potential disputes during celebrations.

Officials said the step was taken primarily for mosques located along Holi procession routes. Two separate processions are scheduled to pass in front of the Jama Masjid, and authorities have decided to act in advance with an incident in the past when splashes of color accidentally fell on a mosque, ...