Harrow Holi clashes: Overseas Friends of BJP seek probe, tighten security at Hindu events

Friends of the British People’s Party Overseas has written to the High Commissioner of India in London to express serious concern over the riots reported during the Holi Holi/Holika Dahan celebrations on March 3, 2026. In Harrow, a fight broke out between Muslim youths and Hindus at a Holika Dahan celebration after three teenagers forcibly stopped music at the event.In response to this incident, OFBJPUK calls for appropriate diplomatic engagement to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out, those responsible are held to account, and the protection of the cultural and religious activities of the Indian diaspora in the UK is strengthened. “We are also asking for discussions with the UK government on the wider security of Hindu temples, religious gatherings and community institutions in the UK. While security support has been provided to some religious institutions, members of the Hindu community believe that similar protection and funding for Hindu temples and community organizations facing hate incidents remains 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 work with local Indian residents, businesses and community organizations in Harrow to help restore confidence. Friends of the British People’s Party Abroad stand ready to work with the High Commission and diaspora organizations to facilitate peaceful meetings, dialogue and constructive community engagement to ensure lasting security and harmony among the Indian diaspora in the UK.” Our collective goal is to ensure that cultural celebrations like Holi continue to be celebrated peacefully and that the Indian diaspora remains safe, respectful and confident. ”

What happened that day?

The atmosphere at the Holika event, organized by the International Siddhasram Shakti Center at the Harrow Civic Center car park, turned tense after a group of youths allegedly disrupted the festivities. The Holika Dahan rally started at around 7pm and was attended by nearly 1,000 people, including local mayors and councillors, with prayers and a Holika bonfire lighting ceremony. According to Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, founder of the centre, three teenagers arrived around 8:30 pm and pulled out the wires of the sound system, damaging the speakers. A few minutes later, they reportedly returned with 15-20 other people, some wearing balaclavas and one holding a sword. They allegedly threw beer cans and glass bottles into the fire and clashed with security guards before fleeing after hearing police sirens.The violence resulted in the arrest of a 14-year-old boy.