Overseas Friends of BJP UK has written to the High Commissioner of India in London expressing serious concern over the disturbances during the Holi/Holika Dahan celebrations in Harrow on 3 March 2026. In Harrow, a brawl broke out between Muslim youths and Hindus during a Holika bonfire ceremony when three teenagers forcibly turned off the music at the event.Addressing that incident, OFBJPUK requested a thorough investigation, accountability for those responsible and appropriate diplomatic engagement to ensure robust security for cultural and religious gatherings of the Indian diaspora in the UK. “We also request that the broader issue of security of Hindu temples, religious gatherings and community institutions in the United Kingdom be discussed with the UK Government. Although security assistance has been provided to some religious institutions, Hindu community members believe that comparable protection and funding for Hindu temples and community organizations facing hate incidents is limited. The issue has become particularly sensitive following earlier tensions affecting Hindu communities in the Midlands and parts of Leicester.” “It would also be valuable if the High Commission could engage with local Indian residents, businesses and community organizations in Harrow to help restore trust. Overseas Friends of BJP stands ready to work with the UK High Commission and diaspora organizations to facilitate peace meetings, dialogue and constructive community engagement to ensure lasting security and harmony for the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdom. Our collective objective is to ensure that cultural festivals like Holi continue to be celebrated peacefully and the Indian diaspora remains safe, respected and confident.”
What happened that day?
A Holika event organized by the International Siddharshrama Shakti Center at the Harrow Civic Center car park turned tense when a group of youths allegedly disrupted the celebrations. The Holika Dahan Sabha, which was attended by about 1,000 people including the local mayor and councilors, began around 7 pm with prayers and the ceremonial lighting of the Holika fire. According to the centre’s founder Shri Rajarajeshwar Guruji, three teenagers came at around 8.30 pm and uprooted the wires of the sound system, causing damage to the speakers. A few minutes later, they reportedly returned with 15–20 other men, some of whom were wearing balaclavas and one was carrying a sword. They allegedly threw beer cans and glass bottles into the fire and clashed with security personnel before fleeing when police sirens sounded.The violence led to the arrest of a 14-year-old boy.