Chandigarh, March 4 Holi, the festival of colors, was celebrated across Punjab, Haryana, and their common capital, Chandigarh, with traditional fervor on Wednesday.
People smeared "gulal" on each other, splashed water balloons, and exchanged sweets to mark the occasion.
Colors of all hues, and the scent of gulal, filled the streets as residents in the twin states and the Union Territory participated in the festivities. People exchanged greetings, visited relatives, and savored the traditional festive sweet, "gujia."
Groups of revelers danced to popular songs, while children played from their rooftops, splashing color on passers-by. Several hotels and resorts in the region organized rain dance parties accompanied by festive snacks and buffets.
Police in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh made elaborate arrangements to ensure a safe celebration. Authorities issued stern warnings against hooliganism under the guise of revelry.
"Intensive foot and mobile patrols were conducted in public areas to deter disorderly behavior and ensure public safety," a police officer said. Special traffic police teams, PCR vans, and local police were deployed at numerous checkpoints to curb drunk and driving, speeding, and reckless driving.
A large crowd of devotees was witnessed at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab for the "Holla Mohalla" festival of the Sikh community. Devotees offered prayers at the Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib.
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini extended their warm greetings to the people.
In his message, Governor Kataria said the festival marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
He expressed hope that the festival would strengthen social harmony and bring joy to the lives of the people of Punjab and Chandigarh. Kataria also appealed to the people to celebrate in a spirit of amity and brotherhood.
Haryana Governor Ashim Kumar Ghosh, in a message on Tuesday, said Holi symbolizes happiness, harmony, renewal of relationships, and the triumph of goodwill.
He noted that the festival reflects India's rich cultural heritage and urged citizens to celebrate with a spirit of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence.
