Regarding Holi 2026
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Statement
From the Trustees of the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, UK
(Place of Worship and Community Centre)
Regarding: Tuesday, March 3rd, a surprising incident unfolded amidst the vibrant, peaceful festivities of Holi in Harrow.
The Trustees of the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre wish to place on record that the Holika Dahan celebration held on 3 March 2026 in Harrow was a highly successful and peaceful community event attended by hundreds of devotees and local residents.
The event was honoured by the presence of two serving Mayors, two Harrow Council Portfolio Holders, civic dignitaries, political representatives, interfaith leaders, members of the emergency services, and a large gathering of the Hindu community.
The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre has been organising this Holi and Holika Dahan celebration in Harrow for the past 15 years at the same venue. Over time, the festival has become a symbol of peace, harmony and togetherness across the Borough of Harrow, bringing people from diverse backgrounds and faiths together in a spirit of unity. We express our sincere gratitude to Harrow Council for facilitating the venue and supporting the continuation of this important community celebration. During all these years, no such disturbance or incident has ever taken place before.
However, towards the end of the event, around 8:35 pm, three youths arrived near the venue and began to disturb the sound system. They were identified as a Muslim group. They were reportedly carrying sticks and a sword. Our volunteers and security team approached them calmly and respectfully requested that they allow the peaceful religious gathering to conclude without disruption. Unfortunately, the individuals did not cooperate and damaged the sound equipment, including speakers, which were thrown to the ground and broken, before leaving the immediate area.
Shortly afterward 10 minutes, from the roadside of the Mosque, a larger group of approximately 15–16 youths approached the vicinity, creating further disturbance and terror by throwing glass bottles, sticks and other objects, causing fear among attendees and attempting to intimidate devotees. Our security personnel and volunteers acted responsibly to protect attendees and prevent escalation, ensuring the safety of those present. Our security personnel also got hurt.
The Metropolitan Police were immediately contacted, and officers arrived promptly within approximately 10 to 15 minutes. With the assistance of members of the community, one individual was detained and handed over to the police, and an arrest was subsequently made.
During the incident, Our Spiritual and Community leader HH Shri Rajrajeshwar Guruji personally contacted senior police officials, including Superintendent Zubin Writer, who provided prompt support and ensured that additional officers were present at the site until the situation was fully under control and the event concluded safely.
Police officers have taken statements from security personnel, volunteers and witnesses, and a full investigation is currently underway.
The Trustees wish to emphasise that the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre stands firmly for peace, respect and interfaith harmony. We also believe that the actions of a few individuals should not be seen as representative of any wider community or faith group.
We respectfully request the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation so that all communities in the London Borough of Harrow can continue to practise their religious and cultural traditions safely and peacefully.
We are grateful to the Metropolitan Police, emergency services, volunteers and community members who acted responsibly and helped ensure that the situation was brought under control. We also urge the authorities to take appropriate and firm action against those responsible, so that such incidents do not threaten the peace and safety of the wider community.
The Hindu community has always believed in peace, coexistence and interfaith cooperation, and the Int. Siddhashram Shakti Centre remains committed to promoting harmony, unity and mutual respect among all communities.
Thank you
Best Regards
Siddhashram Team and behalf of other trustees.
International Siddhashram Shakti Centre (Place of Worship)
w: www.siddhashram.com | E: info@siddhashram.com
T: +44 208 426 0678
