A unique procession of Lat Saheb took place in Shahjahanpur, shoes and slippers were showered on the Saheb riding on the buffalo cart.

News India Live, Digital Desk: In Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, the festival of Holi is celebrated in a completely different style from the rest of the country. Along with colors, it also rains ‘shoes and slippers’ here. Today i.e. on 5 March 2026, a historic day will be celebrated in the city. ‘Lat Saheb’ A procession was taken out, a huge crowd gathered to see it. A unique confluence of tradition and enthusiasm was seen in this procession which took place amidst tight security arrangements.

‘Sahab’ riding on buffalo cart and hitting with slippers

According to tradition, a person is made ‘Laat Saheb’, who is taken on a buffalo cart and taken around the city. During the procession people shower shoes and slippers on Lat Saheb. This may sound strange, but for the residents of Shahjahanpur it is a traditional way of celebrating the victory of good over evil and expressing anger towards the British rule.

The history of this tradition dates back to the 18th century.

This unique tradition started during the era of Nawabs. According to experts, in the 18th century the local people had adopted this method to register their protest against the Nawab and later the British government officials. After independence, it became a folk tradition which is celebrated by both Hindu and Muslim communities. It is taken out in the form of two separate processions named ‘Bade Laat Saheb’ and ‘Chhote Laat Saheb’.

Tight security arrangements: City transformed into an impenetrable fort

Considering the sensitivity of the procession, the administration kept the entire city on high-alert.

Mosques covered: To maintain communal harmony, mosques falling on the route of the procession were covered with tarpaulin to prevent color from falling on them.

Drone surveillance: Heavy police force was deployed at every nook and corner and the crowd was monitored through drone cameras.

Route Diversion: During the procession, vehicular movement was completely restricted on the main roads of the city.

Welcome ‘Sahab’ in the hubbub of Holi

The procession started from Phulmati temple, where Laat Saheb was prepared by bathing and wearing a helmet (to avoid injury due to shoes). After this, as soon as the procession reached the main market, people started raining their shoes with slogans of “Holi Hai”. This procession passed through different areas of the city.