Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined devotees at the Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur to celebrate the festival of Holi.
The Chief Minister participated in the singing of traditional phag songs and performed puja and aarti at the site of Holika Dahan within the temple premises, marking the beginning of the vibrant Holi celebrations.
Several BJP leaders also took part in the festivities, embracing the spirit of the festival of colors. Across Uttar Pradesh, celebrations were in full swing, with visuals from Gorakhpur capturing scenes of locals enthusiastically participating in the festival.
In Varanasi, also known as Kashi, people celebrated with joy and enthusiasm, while in Vrindavan, devotees gathered outside Prem Mandir to revel in the spirit of Holi. In Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, people applied gulaal and danced to commemorate the occasion.
The festival of Holi has begun across the country, bringing people 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 Mathura and Vrindavan, known for their grand Holi celebrations, devotees began traditional rituals, including the famous Lathmar Holi, where women playfully hit men with sticks in a reenactment of a mythological tale associated with Lord Krishna.
Holi, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The celebration is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to signify the destruction of evil. A special puja is performed to ward off negative energies.
The festival’s origins trace back to Hindu mythology, particularly the legend of the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who was angered by his son Prahlad’s unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu. Seeking to punish him, Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. However, Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire, perished in the flames while Prahlad emerged unharmed, symbolizing the triumph of faith and virtue over evil.
Holi continues to be celebrated across India with great enthusiasm, bringing together people from all walks of life in a spirit of joy, unity, and tradition.
(ANI)
