Laat Saheb was beaten with shoes and broom in Shahjahanpur, what is the history behind this unique tradition that has been going on since the 18th century:

News India Live, Digital Desk: Holi of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh is famous for its unique tradition in the entire country. Here on the occasion of Holi, a procession of ‘Laat Saheb’ is taken out, in which he is made to sit on a buffalo cart and is beaten with shoes and brooms. 3 March 2026 Thousands of people gathered in this procession organized on 25th and this tradition was followed amidst tight security arrangements.

1. Who is ‘Lat Saheb’ and how does the procession take place? (The Procession)

Under this tradition a person is made ‘Lat Saheb’. He is made to sit on a throne-like chair on a buffalo cart.

The roar and the thump of shoes: During the procession, people shower shoes and brooms on ‘Laat Saheb’. This may sound strange, but for the local people it is a way of expressing the victory of good over evil and anger towards the British rule.

Buffalo cart journey: This procession starts from the Chowk area of ​​the city and passes through various routes, in which groups of Huriyars move around dancing and singing.

2. Historical story related to 18th century (History of Laat Saheb)

This unique tradition has its roots deep in history:

Nawab vs British: According to folk beliefs, this tradition started in the 18th century. It is said that during the time of Nawabs it was a symbol of mutual brotherhood, but during the British period it became a means of protest against the British.

Symbolic protest: ‘Lat Saheb’ is actually considered to be the symbol of a British officer. Beating them with shoes became a cultural way of expressing public anger towards the oppressive regime that continues to this day.

3. Strict security guard: ‘Mosques’ covered with tarpaulin (Security Plan)

The administration remains extremely alert to maintain peace during the procession:

Security of Mosques: To maintain communal harmony, mosques located in sensitive areas are completely covered with tarpaulin before the procession so that color does not fall on them.

Heavy Police Force: RAF, PAC and a large number of police forces are deployed on the route of the procession. The entire procession is monitored through drone cameras.

4. Example of Ganga-Jamuni culture

The surprising thing is that despite the beating of shoes in this procession, brotherhood remains intact in the city. People of the local Muslim and Hindu communities together ensure that the tradition is fulfilled and the peace and tranquility of the city is not disturbed. The person who becomes ‘Laat Saheb’ is given special rewards and protection from the administration and organizing committee.

5. Shahjahanpur Other attractions of Holi

Along with the procession of Laat Saheb, a procession of ‘Chhote Laat Saheb’ is also taken out here. To see this event, tourists and photographers reach Shahjahanpur not only from Uttar Pradesh but also from other parts of the country.