New Delhi: A Holi celebration was briefly disrupted on the evening of 3 March after a group of Muslim youth allegedly created a ruckus at the former Harrow Civic Centre car park on Station Road in London’s northwest borough of Harrow.
The video was shared on X by Insight UK, an advocacy group for British Hindu communities. The event, organised to mark Holika Dahan, drew hundreds of people, including British Hindu families and local dignitaries, to celebrate the festival of colours and renewal.
Muslim youth attack Holi celebrations in Harrow
Holi is a festival of colour, joy and community. Yesterday in Harrow, local Hindu families, including women and children, gathered to celebrate peacefully.
Hundreds of devotees attended this Holika Dahan celebrations in Harrow,… pic.twitter.com/ZpTMGDV0PM
— INSIGHT UK (@INSIGHTUK2) March 4, 2026
The post soon gained momentum online and triggered backlash, with many people saying the incident was “shameful” and “disgusting.” The video, however, doesn’t substantiate whether the people involved in the brawl were muslim or not.
It has since been reposted several times, with many demanding equal protection under UK law and calling for an immediate investigation.
The post alleged that the event organised by the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre had received prior permission from the local council and was attended by several civic leaders, including two serving mayors, councillors, council portfolio holders, and a London Fire Brigade commander, reflecting cross-party support for the community celebration.
It further claimed that a group of young men, who allegedly came from a nearby mosque, attacked the attendees and pushed over the speakers. They reportedly left shortly but returned with 20 more people to renew the assault on the event’s attendees.
Local news portal, Harrow Online, reported that a brawl did erupt during the celebrations, but did not mention whether it was a religiously-charged attack, nor did it say that the attackers returned with a larger group. Witness accounts allege that bins were thrown and some attendees were harassed before the situation escalated into a fight. The report also states that police were called to the scene and that some individuals fled the area.
Officers were called to the scene at approximately 8:50 pm following reports of a mass brawl breaking out at the site, and arrested a 14-year-old boy shortly after arriving. The London Fire Brigade also confirmed that a false report of a fire at the area at around 9 pm later that day.
The report further claimed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing, and more details are awaited.
(Edited by Insha Jalil Waziri)