By Admin 
Holi is a festival of India which is full of happiness, laughter and colours. This festival is considered a symbol of forgetting the grudges and adding sweetness to mutual relationships, eradicating old differences and bringing new enthusiasm in life. In India, Holi is celebrated in open fields, streets and roads with huge processions, celebration of colors and pomp and show with traditional sweets, but when we look across the borders, especially in countries where Muslims are in majority, the color and enthusiasm of Holi changes in many ways.
In many Islamic countries, religious and social rules are so strict that it is impossible to celebrate Holi publicly. In some places it is completely banned, and if someone plays with colors openly, he may have to face heavy punishment. So let us know in which Muslim countries Holi is not played and how severe is the punishment for showing colours.
In which Muslim countries Holi is not played
After the Taliban rule in Afghanistan, religious rules have become very strict. The number of Hindu and Sikh communities is very less, hence Holi is no longer celebrated publicly. Playing with colors or taking out processions is prohibited. The festival is limited to home or temple only. The administration has assured security, but no celebration takes place in the open fields. Therefore, the colors of Holi in Afghanistan have not faded but are suppressed. If someone plays with colors in public, there is a risk of legal action.
Apart from this, there has been strictness on public celebration of non-Islamic festivals in Saudi Arabia for a long time. Indian expatriates can also celebrate Holi only in private premises or embassies. Whereas in other Gulf countries like Qatar and Oman, religious freedom is limited. There is no playing of colors in public, private programs can be held only with the permission of the administration. In these countries the celebration of Holi is completely banned or very limited. If someone plays with colors in public, he may have to face legal action or a heavy fine.
How severe is the punishment for showing color?
In some Islamic countries, playing with colors or publicly celebrating Holi is considered a legal offense, and the punishment for it can be quite severe. The extent of punishment depends on the law of the country and the rules of the local administration. For example, in Afghanistan it is illegal to play Holi colors in public or take out a procession. Violation may result in arrest, fine or jail sentence.
Especially under Taliban rule, any public event for religious minorities is strictly prohibited. Whereas in Saudi Arabia, if caught playing colors, the criminal can be arrested, and in some cases, even jail or extradition. Celebrating Holi publicly is also banned in Qatar and Oman. Violation may result in fine, administrative action or charges of impurity.
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