The festival of Holi has begun across the country, with people coming together to celebrate with colors, music, and traditional festivities.
From temples to streets, vibrant hues and joyous gatherings mark the onset of the festival, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
In several states, the celebrations will begin with Holika Dahan, a ritual bonfire that signifies the victory of devotion and righteousness.
In Mathura and Vrindavan, known for their grand Holi celebrations, devotees have begun traditional rituals, including the famous Lathmar Holi.
Cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, and Delhi have witnessed enthusiastic crowds smearing each other with colors and enjoying festive treats such as gujiya and thandai.
Authorities have deployed security personnel in major cities to ensure peaceful celebrations.
In Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, Holi celebrations were held at the Shri Lakshminath Ji Temple on the day of Holika Dahan. Prayers were offered, bhajans were sung, and people smeared colors on each other within the temple premises.
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel posted at border outposts celebrated Holi on Thursday with great enthusiasm. To make the experience memorable, senior officers and jawans made special arrangements ahead of the festivities.
Amid the celebrations, the personnel applied colors to each other and shared sweets. In a show of camaraderie, soldiers lifted their officers onto their shoulders, chanting slogans of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
The BSF personnel danced joyfully, covered in gulal, creating a lively atmosphere along the Indo-Pak border. Women soldiers also joined in, dancing to the music and enjoying the festivities with their fellow soldiers.
BSF Deputy Commandant Pratap Singh highlighted the dedication of the force, stating, “When the entire nation sleeps peacefully, we stay awake to protect the borders. Today, as the country celebrates Holi, we are here celebrating with our personnel. We are their family, their brothers, and their support system.”
Meanwhile, people are celebrating the festival of colors at Shri Priyakant Ju Temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Vrindavan.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where people played Holi and sang songs at the recently reopened Shiv Hanuman Temple of Khaggu Sarai. The police have made tight security arrangements to ensure law and order in the area.
In Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, excitement fills the air as people immerse themselves in the festival of colors.
The streets are crowded with people enjoying the celebrations. As Holi approaches, markets are bustling with shoppers looking for colors and festive accessories. This year, a wide variety of colors and toy water guns are available.
Holi festivities have begun, and people across the country are flocking to markets to buy colors and pichkaris. Homes are being decorated with vibrant ornaments, while kitchens are filled with the aroma of sweets like gujiya being prepared. People are stocking up on their festive essentials as they get ready for the celebrations.
(ANI)
