‘Festival of joy will infuse enthusiasm, deepen colours of unity’: PM Modi greets nation on Holi

NEW DELHI: As the country marks the festival of colours and celebrates the occasion in harmony and joy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings for the festival and prayed for joy and happiness in the lives of the countrymen.

“I wish you all a very Happy Holi. This festival filled with joy and happiness will infuse new enthusiasm and energy in everyone’s life and will also deepen the colours of unity among the countrymen”, posted PM on X.

आप सभी को होली की ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। हर्ष और उल्लास से भरा यह पावन-पर्व हर किसी के जीवन में नई उमंग और ऊर्जा का संचार करने के साथ ही देशवासियों की एकता के रंग को और प्रगाढ़ करे, यही कामना है।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 13, 2025

President Droupadi Murmu also greeted everybody on the auspicious occasion of Holi on Friday. “Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious occasion of Holi, the festival of colours. This festival of joy gives the message of unity, love and harmony. This festival is also a symbol of India’s precious cultural heritage. On this auspicious occasion, let us all together pledge to fill the lives of all the children of Mother India with the colours of continuous progress, prosperity and happiness”, posted President Murmu on X.

रंगों के त्योहार होली के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। हर्षोल्लास का यह पर्व एकता, प्रेम और सद्भाव का संदेश देता है। यह त्योहार भारत की अनमोल सांस्कृतिक विरासत का भी प्रतीक है। आइए, इस शुभ अवसर पर हम सब मिलकर भारत माता की सभी संतानों के जीवन में निरंतर…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 14, 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended his greetings on the vibrant occasion of Holi on Friday and prayed for the happiness and health of the public. “Heartiest greetings to all of you on the auspicious festival of Holi. This festival, a symbol of joy, happiness and new energy, may fill your life with the colours of happiness and good health, this is my wish. May your Holi be joyful and safe!

“Best wishes to you on the vibrant festival of Holi! May the colors of joy, enthusiasm and new energy fill your life with happiness and health. Have a wonderful and safe Holi!” posted Rajnath Singh on X.

#WATCH | Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is immersed in gulaal during bhasma aarti on the occasion of Holi pic.twitter.com/stlKjRRU37

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath applied gulal to calves and cows at Gorakhnath temple on Friday on the occasion of Holi.

People have begun enthusiastically celebrating the vibrant festival of Holi by applying gulaal (colored powder) on each other and dancing joyously. Holi, also known as the festival of colors, is a time when people come together to celebrate the arrival of spring, the triumph of good over evil, and the joy of life.

In Sambhal, as in many parts of India, the streets are filled with laughter, music, and dance. People smeared gulaal on friends, family, and even strangers, marking the occasion with a spirit of unity and joy. Paramilitary forces conducted a flag march in Sambhal on Friday, as Holi celebrations and Jumma Namaz will be held today.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Children play with colours as they celebrate #Holi in Tiruchirappalli. pic.twitter.com/Wr7DU2Hk4T

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2025

Superintendent of Police (SP) K K Bishnoi spoke about Holi preparations in Sambhal and said, “Processions for the Holi will be taken out; Holi will be celebrated in all parts of the city before, and people will play it before 2.30 pm. Proper police deployment is in place. I hope this Holi will bring happiness to all. After 2:30 pm, Friday prayers (Jumme ki Namaz) will be offered”.

People in UP’s Aligarh also embraced each other and applied colours, joining in the festive spirit. Traditional folk songs and lively beats accompany the energetic dancing, creating a festive atmosphere in every corner of the town.

The celebration is a beautiful expression of community, with people of all ages participating in the revelry. This celebration not only reflects the cultural richness but also highlights the spirit of togetherness, harmony, and fun that Holi brings to communities across India.

#WATCH | Gujarat: Festival of colours, #Holi being celebrated in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/WaSbUkwDJ2

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2025

The festival of Holi began across the country on Thursday, from Choti Holi. People come together to celebrate with colors, music, and traditional festivities. From temples to streets, vibrant hues and joyous gatherings mark the onset of the festival, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.

In Mathura and Vrindavan, famous for their grand Holi celebrations, devotees began the traditional rituals, including the famous Lathmar Holi. Cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, and Delhi witnessed enthusiastic crowds smearing each other with colors and enjoying festive treats like gujiya and thandai. Authorities have deployed security personnel in major cities to ensure peaceful celebrations.

#WATCH | Assam: In Dibrugarh, Lord Krishna devotees carried out a special ‘Prabhat Pheri’ (morning procession) around the city, starting from Rani Sati temple on the occasion of Holi pic.twitter.com/7FrJaLV91a

— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2025

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 triumph of good over evil. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to mark the death of Holika, a symbol of evil and a special Puja to burn evil spirits is performed.

The festival of colors also follows a Hindu mythology, where Demon King Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the God Bishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad. (ANI)