Colours fill the air as India celebrates Holi today

NEW DELHI, MARCH 24: The joyous Indian festival of colours Holi is being celebrated in different parts of the country today and revellers were seen on the streets from morning itself smearing colours on each other and feeding sweets. Celebration of Holi at Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is world famous and it attracts tourists from across the globe. The lighting of bonfire - Holika Dahan was observed yesterday evening across the country. President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have greeted the nation on the occasion. In his message, President Pranab Mukherjee said, the festival symbolizes the vibrant colours of the diverse multicultural society and the spirit of tolerance and harmony that has been the essence of Indian culture and civilisation. He hoped that the festival of colours will be a joyous expression of the spirit of pluralism and it will strengthen the fraternal bonds amongst the citizens. Vice President Ansari said that the festival marks the onset of warmer season and victory of good over evil. He hoped that the festival will bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in people's lives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also greeted the people on the occasion of Holi. In Uttar Pradesh Holi celebrations at Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana is world famous and it attracts tourists from across the globe. The national capital witnesses a number of traditions to make the Holi in the capital what it is. In a unique celebration Jaipur holds a grand Elephant Festival on Holi. The elephants are groomed and dressed with dazzling and embroidered velvets rugs and parasols and other grand ornaments like huge elephant jewellery and anklets decked with bells. However, precautions also come in the wake of the festival as certain revellers often get raucous during the celebrations often causing harm. Several police personnel have been deployed across the national capital to keep an eye on the celebrations. Meanwhile, Delhi is also on high alert as Central agencies have issued a warning about a former Pakistan army soldier entering India through Punjab with six terrorists last month, and a possible attempt by them to carry out terror attacks here during Holi.