Banaras Hindu University has banned the celebration of Holi at public places on the campus and said those violating the order would be liable for punishment.

The university has also prohibited the playing of music on the occasion of Holi, which will be celebrated in Varanasi on March 7 and 8.

Abhimanyu Singh, chief proctor of BHU, has stated in a circular dated February 28: “This is to inform the teachers, employees and students of Banaras Hindu University that playing Holi at public places on the campus, shouting and playing music is completely banned. Administrative action would be taken against those found involved in doing so.”

Singh asked all the departmental heads to circulate the order and ensure its implementation.

Vinod Bansal, spokesperson for the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, said: “Such an order makes us apprehensive that those who want to remove the word Hindu from the name of the university have become active.”

Ajay Singh, an MA second-year student of BHU, told reporters: “Most students are on leave and out to celebrate Holi. There are only a few of us who are staying here but vice-chancellor Sudhir Jain appears to be our enemy....”

An administrative member of BHU said two groups of students had clashed with each other during last year’s Holi. “This is the reason we don’t want anybody to play Holi in public places on the university premise. However, they can certainly celebrate the day in their rooms and quarters.”