From Rekha to Deepika Padukone, six iconic Holi outfits from Bollywood movies

<p>Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma on Friday (March 18) came up with a hilarious wish for his fans on the auspicious occasion of Holi. Holi is a festival of colours celebrated by Indians across the globe. Rohit shared a video on his social media handles where he can be seen taking several retakes while trying to shoot a video to wish the fans.</p>

<p>In the video, Rohit can be seen telling the videographer to shoot the footage from a certain angle while also having some fun banter with his wife Ritika Sajdeh. Rohit can also be seen telling the person shooting the video that he will have to re-edit the footage if the Mumbai Indians skipper doesn't like it.</p>

<p>Rohit then goes to gove several retakes as he tries to get his lines right for the video. Mumbai Indians shared the video of their skipper with a funny caption. "After 53261 takes, Ro wishes everyone a very Happy Holi," the five-time IPL champions captioned the post.</p>

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<p>Rohit, who was recently appointed as India's captain across all three formats of the game, has had a fantastic start to his stint as the skipper of the side. Rohit has led India to T20I series whitewashes&nbsp;against the likes of New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka while also claiming a 2-0 win in his first Test series as captain, against Sri Lanka.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/odi-series-between-pakistan-and-australia-moved-from-rawalpindi-on-political-grounds-pak-minister-463464">ODI series between Pakistan and Australia moved from Rawalpindi on 'political' grounds: Pak minister</a></p>

<p>Rohit will now shift his focus towards taking charge for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2022. Mumbai Indians roped in some quality players at the IPL 2022 mega auction last month and have managed to build a strong squad once again for the next season.</p>

<p>Rohit along with several others have already joined Mumbai Indians' ongoing camp as they continue their preparations for the new season.</p>


Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma on Friday (March 18) came up with a hilarious wish for his fans on the auspicious occasion of Holi. Holi is a festival of colours celebrated by Indians across the globe.

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma on Friday (March 18) came up with a hilarious wish for his fans on the auspicious occasion of Holi. Holi is a festival of colours celebrated by Indians across the globe. Rohit shared a video on his social media handles where he can be seen taking several retakes while trying to shoot a video to wish the fans. In the video, Rohit can be seen telling the videographer to shoot the footage from a certain angle while also having some fun banter with his wife Ritika Sajdeh. Rohit can also be seen telling the person shooting the video that he will have to re-edit the footage if the Mumbai Indians skipper doesn't like it. Rohit then goes to gove several retakes as he tries to get his lines right for the video. Mumbai Indians shared the video of their skipper with a funny caption. "After 53261 takes, Ro wishes everyone a very Happy Holi," the five-time IPL champions captioned the post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mumbai Indians (@mumbaiindians) × Rohit, who was recently appointed as India's captain across all three formats of the game, has had a fantastic start to his stint as the skipper of the side. Rohit has led India to T20I series whitewashes against the likes of New Zealand, West Indies and Sri Lanka while also claiming a 2-0 win in his first Test series as captain, against Sri Lanka. Also Read: ODI series between Pakistan and Australia moved from Rawalpindi on 'political' grounds: Pak minister Rohit will now shift his focus towards taking charge for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL 2022. Mumbai Indians roped in some quality players at the IPL 2022 mega auction last month and have managed to build a strong squad once again for the next season. Rohit along with several others have already joined Mumbai Indians' ongoing camp as they continue their preparations for the new season.

'After 53261 takes': Mumbai Indians share hilarious Holi wish from skipper Rohit Sharma - WATCH

<p>While the whole country is celebrating Holi, soldiers of Indian army, Para Military forces deputed in Kashmir Valley far from their&nbsp;homes celebrated it with each other. The soldiers in various districts of the Kashmir Valley splashed colours on each other. The regiment&nbsp;they belong to is what they call their&nbsp;family.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Srinagar's 117 Battalion of CRPF, soldiers along with their&nbsp;teammates as well as their officers celebrated the festival of Holi. It's a day when they are all a family with no boundaries of ranks. Soldiers were dancing to the Bollywood songs and&nbsp;feeding each other sweets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-politicise-legitimate-energy-transaction-message-from-new-delhi-on-getting-discounted-russian-oil-463381" hreflang="en">Don't politicise legitimate energy transaction: India on Russian oil price</a></p>

<p>''All the CRPF and people from nearby areas have come together to celebrate the festival. We are missing our families, but these soldiers are our family. We live together for the whole year and consider each other family. It's so good to celebrate festivals together&nbsp;with each other. '' said Manoj Kumar, CRPF soldier, 117 Battalion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The security forces prepared various cuisines for the jawans to enjoy the day. The whole motive is to make soldiers happy and not feel as if they are far from their homes. To keep the morale high, various activities are organised for them as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-boat-with-six-crew-held-for-fishing-in-indian-waters-463221" hreflang="en">Sri Lankan boat with six crew held for fishing in Indian waters</a></p>

<p>''We are all from different states of the country and our cultures are different. But these festivals bring us together. We celebrate the festival of Holi together. And as you can see there is only happiness all over. We should always spread love. '' said Krishan Kumar, CRPF Soldier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Whether it is Holi or Diwali or Eid, security forces come together to celebrate these festivals with full fervour. They might be away from home, but they stand by each other while guarding the country.s</p>


While the whole country is celebrating Holi, soldiers of Indian army, Para Military forces deputed in Kashmir Valley far from their homes celebrated it with each other.

While the whole country is celebrating Holi, soldiers of Indian army, Para Military forces deputed in Kashmir Valley far from their homes celebrated it with each other. The soldiers in various districts of the Kashmir Valley splashed colours on each other. The regiment they belong to is what they call their family. In Srinagar's 117 Battalion of CRPF, soldiers along with their teammates as well as their officers celebrated the festival of Holi. It's a day when they are all a family with no boundaries of ranks. Soldiers were dancing to the Bollywood songs and feeding each other sweets. Also read | Don't politicise legitimate energy transaction: India on Russian oil price ''All the CRPF and people from nearby areas have come together to celebrate the festival. We are missing our families, but these soldiers are our family. We live together for the whole year and consider each other family. It's so good to celebrate festivals together with each other. '' said Manoj Kumar, CRPF soldier, 117 Battalion. The security forces prepared various cuisines for the jawans to enjoy the day. The whole motive is to make soldiers happy and not feel as if they are far from their homes. To keep the morale high, various activities are organised for them as well. Also read | Sri Lankan boat with six crew held for fishing in Indian waters ''We are all from different states of the country and our cultures are different. But these festivals bring us together. We celebrate the festival of Holi together. And as you can see there is only happiness all over. We should always spread love. '' said Krishan Kumar, CRPF Soldier. Whether it is Holi or Diwali or Eid, security forces come together to celebrate these festivals with full fervour. They might be away from home, but they stand by each other while guarding the country.s

Soldiers celebrate Holi in Kashmir, while being away from homes

<p>After two years of muted celebrations due to the Covid pandemic, thousands of people turned up at the holy cities of Vrindavan and Mathura in northern Uttar Pradesh on Friday to celebrate one of the important Hindu festivals, Holi.</p>

<p>In Vrindavan’s famous Banke Bihari temple, thousands of devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers to Hindu God Krishna.</p>

<p>With colours smeared on their faces and chants hailing the Lord, people stood in long queues to catch a glimpse of the deity while priests were seen playfully throwing colours at those who gathered.</p>

<p>In the neighbouring Mathura, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered outside temples where they played Holi with colours and flower petals.</p>

<p>Holi marks the last full-moon day of the lunar month. The day is marked with sumptuous feasts and dancing to welcome spring.</p>

<p>The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season.</p>

<p>Though the festival is observed across the country, the celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura draw&nbsp;foreign tourists the most.&nbsp;Because it is here where Lord Krishna is said to have visited his beloved Radha's town Barsana from Nandgaon in Mathura to celebrate the festival with her.</p>

<p>For the last two years, the festivities had been marred by the pandemic as restrictions were placed across the country to stop the spread of the pandemic.</p>

<p>However, most curbs have now been lifted as India witnessed a significant drop in cases with only 2,528 new COVID-19 cases being reported on Thursday. While death count rose to 5,16,281 with 149 fresh Covid-related fatalities.</p>

<p>The recovery rate in India has increased to 98.72 per cent and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.20 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Holi celebration in Vrindavan: India celebrates the festival of colours</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/holi-celebration-in-vrindavan-india-celebrates-the-festival-of-colours-463330/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>


After two years of muted celebrations due to the Covid pandemic, thousands of people turned up at the holy cities of Vrindavan and Mathura in northern Uttar Pradesh on Friday to celebrate one of the important Hindu festivals, Holi.

After two years of muted celebrations due to the Covid pandemic, thousands of people turned up at the holy cities of Vrindavan and Mathura in northern Uttar Pradesh on Friday to celebrate one of the important Hindu festivals, Holi. In Vrindavan’s famous Banke Bihari temple, thousands of devotees gathered in large numbers to offer prayers to Hindu God Krishna. With colours smeared on their faces and chants hailing the Lord, people stood in long queues to catch a glimpse of the deity while priests were seen playfully throwing colours at those who gathered. In the neighbouring Mathura, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, hundreds of thousands of devotees gathered outside temples where they played Holi with colours and flower petals. Holi marks the last full-moon day of the lunar month. The day is marked with sumptuous feasts and dancing to welcome spring. The festival also celebrates the beginning of a good spring harvest season. Though the festival is observed across the country, the celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura draw foreign tourists the most. Because it is here where Lord Krishna is said to have visited his beloved Radha's town Barsana from Nandgaon in Mathura to celebrate the festival with her. For the last two years, the festivities had been marred by the pandemic as restrictions were placed across the country to stop the spread of the pandemic. However, most curbs have now been lifted as India witnessed a significant drop in cases with only 2,528 new COVID-19 cases being reported on Thursday. While death count rose to 5,16,281 with 149 fresh Covid-related fatalities. The recovery rate in India has increased to 98.72 per cent and the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.20 per cent. Watch | Holi celebration in Vrindavan: India celebrates the festival of colours

Watch | After 2 years of lull, India’s Vrindavan drenched in colours as people celebrate Holi

India is celebrating the festival of colours, Holi which marks the triumph of good over evil. Watch ground report from the holy place of Vrindavan.

India celebrating the festival of colours Holi which marks the triumph of good over evil

Holi in India

How did you celebrate Holi this year? Some Americans reviewed Gujiya and Thandai. As the Wuhan virus dampened Holi for the second straight year, WION's Palki brings you a report on how the world marked the festival of colour.

Gravitas: Holi greetings from World leaders

<p>Like every year, Priyanka Chopra celebrates Holi with a lot of colours albeit a bit less glam as she was seen with family in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid restrictions owing to the pandemic, Priyanka Chopra was seen playing with colours with husband Nick Jonas and in-laws Paul Kevin Jonas Sr and Denise Miller-Jonas.</p>

<p>Sharing a set of pictures, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/priyanka-chopra">Priyanka</a> shared her bright and happy photos and captioned it: "Holi, the festival of colours is one of my favourites. Hope we can all celebrate it with our loved ones, but in our homes. Happy Holi everyone."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nick Jonas also shared the same pictures from the celebrations on Instagram and he wrote: "Happy Holi! From our family to yours."</p>

<p>Check out pictures here:</p>

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<p>Priyanka has been in London for a few months now as she was busy shooting for several projects and got stuck there because of limitations on travel owing to the pandemic. Nick Jonas recently joined her as did his family.</p>

<p>The global star recently opened her restaurant Sona in New York and has been receiving rave reviews.&nbsp;</p>


Like every year, Priyanka Chopra celebrates Holi with a lot of colours albeit a bit less glam as she was seen with family in London. Amid restrictions owing to the pandemic, Priyanka Chopra was seen playing with colours with husband Nick Jonas and in-laws Paul Kevin Jonas Sr and Denise Miller-Jonas.

Like every year, Priyanka Chopra celebrates Holi with a lot of colours albeit a bit less glam as she was seen with family in London. Amid restrictions owing to the pandemic, Priyanka Chopra was seen playing with colours with husband Nick Jonas and in-laws Paul Kevin Jonas Sr and Denise Miller-Jonas. Sharing a set of pictures, Priyanka shared her bright and happy photos and captioned it: "Holi, the festival of colours is one of my favourites. Hope we can all celebrate it with our loved ones, but in our homes. Happy Holi everyone." Nick Jonas also shared the same pictures from the celebrations on Instagram and he wrote: "Happy Holi! From our family to yours." Check out pictures here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra) × Priyanka has been in London for a few months now as she was busy shooting for several projects and got stuck there because of limitations on travel owing to the pandemic. Nick Jonas recently joined her as did his family. The global star recently opened her restaurant Sona in New York and has been receiving rave reviews.

Holi 2021: Priyanka Chopra celebrates festival of colour with Nick Jonas and family in London

This year, Holi has come at a time when the country is in the grip of the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). And the latest figures show that India has shown the biggest jump in COVID-19 weekly cases in the past week.

COVID-19 cases surge in India, Maharashtra is India's worst affected state

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Holi.</p>

<p>Holi is a Hindu spring festival, which is celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, but has now spread across other parts of the world. The festival has become popular amongst non-Hindus as well.</p>

<p>The festival is being celebrated in Pakistan on Sunday and Monday.</p>

<p>"Wishing all our Hindu community a very happy Holi, the festival of colours," the prime minister tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wishing all our Hindu community a very happy Holi, the festival of colours.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1376013382302711808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Several other leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, also wished the Hindu parliamentarians and the community at large on their special occasion.</p>

<p>"This festival of light and colours provides an opportunity to spread happiness," he said, praising the role of the Hindu community in the upliftment of Pakistan.</p>

<p>Qaiser said all minority communities have the right to openly celebrate their religious festivals in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison extended greetings to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, on the occasion.</p>

<p>He took to Twitter and said, "Wishing our Hindu Australian community, my good friend Narendra Modi and all the people who are celebrating it, a happy and colourful Holi!"</p>

<p>The Australian PM also wished the Indian diaspora 'a very Happy Holi'.</p>

<p>Even though it is predominantly a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of other faiths as well. It marks the arrival of the spring harvest season in the country.</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Holi. Holi is a Hindu spring festival, which is celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, but has now spread across other parts of the world.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Holi. Holi is a Hindu spring festival, which is celebrated predominantly in India and Nepal, but has now spread across other parts of the world. The festival has become popular amongst non-Hindus as well. The festival is being celebrated in Pakistan on Sunday and Monday. "Wishing all our Hindu community a very happy Holi, the festival of colours," the prime minister tweeted. Wishing all our Hindu community a very happy Holi, the festival of colours. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 28, 2021 × Several other leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, also wished the Hindu parliamentarians and the community at large on their special occasion. "This festival of light and colours provides an opportunity to spread happiness," he said, praising the role of the Hindu community in the upliftment of Pakistan. Qaiser said all minority communities have the right to openly celebrate their religious festivals in Pakistan. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Earlier in the day, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison extended greetings to his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, on the occasion. He took to Twitter and said, "Wishing our Hindu Australian community, my good friend Narendra Modi and all the people who are celebrating it, a happy and colourful Holi!" The Australian PM also wished the Indian diaspora 'a very Happy Holi'. Even though it is predominantly a Hindu festival, it is celebrated by people of other faiths as well. It marks the arrival of the spring harvest season in the country.

Pak PM Imran Khan, Aussie PM Morrison greet people on occasion of Holi

India celebrated the festival of Holi today. Here is how the festival of colours was celebrated around the world.

Gravitas: The different shades of Holi

Amid Coronavirus outbreak, Indians decided to celebrate Holi with the same joy as usual across almost all of the states.

Your Story: Indians celebrate Holi amid Coronavirus outbreak!

Holi, the festival of colour is here and even though the celebrations this year are subdued due to the outbreak of coronavirus, traditional celebrations are being carried out.

Holi, the festival of colour is here and even though the celebrations this year are subdued due to the outbreak of coronavirus, traditional celebrations are being carried out. Many of Bollywood stars rang in the festival with a traditional puja on Monday evening. The Bachchans performed the traditional puja at their residence on Monday evening and shared photos on social media later. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shared a few photos, including one of her with daughter Aaradhya posing together by the fire. “Happy Holi to all. Love and light,” she wrote. View this post on Instagram ✨🔥Happy Holi to All💝Love n Light✨ A post shared by AishwaryaRaiBachchan (@aishwaryaraibachchan_arb) on Mar 9, 2020 at 9:30am PDT × Photos of Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Aishwarya and Aaradhya performing a Holi puja were also shared by on social media. View this post on Instagram When there were terrorist attacks and now there is the virus attack. Pray for them to leave 🙏. Amitabh Bachchan and his family celeberate holi in the most traditional manner. #amitabhbachchan #jayabachchan #aishwaryaraibachan #aradhyabachchan #shwetabachchan #viralbhayani @viralbhayani A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) on Mar 9, 2020 at 9:28pm PDT × Hrithik Roshan joined former wife Sussanne Khan's family for a pre-Holi bash. The actor was seen at sister-in-law Farah Khan Ali's house for a family get together. Zayed Khan, Fardeen Khan, Sanjay Khan, Zareen Khan and DJ Aqueel were also seen at the get-together. View this post on Instagram Happy Holi to you and yours. ❤️❤️❤️We brought ours in with flowers, family and lots of food ❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗😘😘😘 @suzkr @itszayedkhan @zarinekhan1207 @djaqeelforever @sanjaykhan03 @ajayvarora @malzkhan @hrithikroshan A post shared by Farah Khan Ali (@farahkhanali) on Mar 9, 2020 at 1:05pm PDT × Sussanne also shared a few photos from the evening. “ Happy Holi to all you beautiful people.. may the strength and the force of the universe always be in your being. God bless us all to be full of love, that kind of power that kills all these crazy viruses,” she wrote. View this post on Instagram Happy Holi to all you beautiful people.. may the strength and the force of the universe always be in your being. God bless us all to be full of love, that kind of power that kills all these crazy viruses 💪🏻♥️ #poweroffaith #loveconquersall #holi2020 A post shared by Sussanne Khan (@suzkr) on Mar 9, 2020 at 10:55am PDT × After celebrating an early holi at Isha Ambani's residence on Saturday, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas were spotted at Mumbai airport on their way back to America on Monday night. View this post on Instagram #priyankachopra and #nickjonas left last night. On the work front, Priyanka Chopra was last seen in The Sky Is Pink. She will next be seen in Netflix film The White Tiger. She also has Netflix's superhero film We Can Be Heroes and a film with actress-comedian Mindy Kaling in the pipeline. Priyanka has also been reportedly roped in as part of the cast of Matrix 4 #airportdiaries #viralbhayani @viralbhayani A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani) on Mar 9, 2020 at 9:35pm PDT × It was Nick's first Holi celebration and he took to Instagram to share a few pictures and a video from the Holi bash. The video unwittingly captured rumoured couple Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif dancing together. View this post on Instagram My first Holi! (Five days early)So much fun celebrating with such incredible people here in my second home in India. #holi @_iiishmagish @anandpiramal @priyankachopra A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas) on Mar 6, 2020 at 10:12am PST × Cricketer Hardik Pandya and fiance Natasha Stankovic celebrated the festival with the extended Pandya family. View this post on Instagram Happy holidays from the Pandyas ❤️ Holi hai A post shared by Hardik Pandya (@hardikpandya93) on Mar 9, 2020 at 10:03pm PDT × Due to the outbreak of coronavirus, many stars urged people to stay at home and avoid large gatherings while wishing them for holi.

Bachchans, Hrithik Roshan celebrate Holi with family

<p>In a bid to avoid mass gathering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/15-italian-tourists-test-positive-for-coronavirus-total-number-rises-to-21-in-india-284131">amid coronavirus outbreak</a>, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he will not participate in any Holi event.</p>

<p>"Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme," PM Modi said on Twitter.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1235083359501430789?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Worldwide, nearly 3,000 people have been killed and about 87,000 infected since the virus was first detected late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-in-india-live-updates-one-intel-employee-potentially-exposed-to-coronavirus-under-quarantine-284099">Coronavirus live updates: One Intel employee potentially exposed to coronavirus, under quarantine</a></strong></p>

<p>While the numbers in China are still far lower than the huge daily increases reported during the first two weeks of February, COVID-19 has spread rapidly across borders, with South Korea, Italy and Iran emerging as hotspots.</p>

<p>In India, the total number of confirmed coronavirus rose to 21 after fifteen Italian tourists tested positive for the novel virus.</p>

<p>Last month, three cases were recorded in Kerala, who have now recovered and discharged from hospital.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that the Delhi government has made full preparations to tackle the situation.</p>

<p>For providing treatment to the patients, 25 Delhi hospitals, including 19 government hospitals and six private hospitals have been equipped to handle the influx of patients in case of an emergency.</p>

<p>Unio Health Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-harsh-vardhan-to-hold-meeting-with-delhi-government-officials-284106">Harsh Vardhan will hold a meeting </a>with Delhi government officials to review the preventive measures.</p>


In a bid to avoid mass gathering amid coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he will not participate in any Holi event. "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus.

In a bid to avoid mass gathering amid coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he will not participate in any Holi event. "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme," PM Modi said on Twitter. Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2020 × Worldwide, nearly 3,000 people have been killed and about 87,000 infected since the virus was first detected late last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. Also read: Coronavirus live updates: One Intel employee potentially exposed to coronavirus, under quarantine While the numbers in China are still far lower than the huge daily increases reported during the first two weeks of February, COVID-19 has spread rapidly across borders, with South Korea, Italy and Iran emerging as hotspots. In India, the total number of confirmed coronavirus rose to 21 after fifteen Italian tourists tested positive for the novel virus. Last month, three cases were recorded in Kerala, who have now recovered and discharged from hospital. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has said that the Delhi government has made full preparations to tackle the situation. For providing treatment to the patients, 25 Delhi hospitals, including 19 government hospitals and six private hospitals have been equipped to handle the influx of patients in case of an emergency. Unio Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will hold a meeting with Delhi government officials to review the preventive measures.

Amid coronavirus outbreak, PM Modi says 'will not participate in any Holi event'

As the coronavirus fear spreads across the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today tweeted that he would not participate in this year's Holi celebrations to avoid mass gatherings. "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme," Modi wrote on social networking site Twitter.

PM Modi to stay away from 'Holi Milan' events amid coronavirus fear

Rang de Basanti: India celebrates Holi

<p>Residents of a neighbourhood in the Bihar capital this time have put up effigies of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in the streets for torching them as part of a 'Holika-dahan' ritual.</p>

<p>The effigies were mounted on top of a huge pile of timber and broken twigs on a street in Kadam Kuan's Nawal Kishor Road, which was burnt to mark 'Holika dahan' or the eve of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/different-types-of-holi-celebrations-in-india-204587">Holi</a>.</p>

<p>The pile faced a shop on the street side, which sells colours, 'pichkaris' (water toy guns) and fancy masks, while an image of a jawan in combat fatigue and pointing a gun, had been put up on an electric pole in the corner of the road.</p>

<p>"People from the local area have put effigies to show solidarity with the spirit that terror activities originating from Pakistani soil would not be tolerated by India and its people.</p>

<p>Pictures of both the terrorists have been pasted on the faces of the effigies," a local shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named, said before the burning ritual.</p>

<p>While Saeed, head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, who had orchestrated the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed, is a designated terrorist, a fresh move has been made at the UN to designate JeM chief Azhar as a global terrorist.</p>

<p>The fresh proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US, in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.</p>

<p>JeM had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack, which sparked global outrage.</p>

<p>India will show patience with China for "as long as it takes" but will not compromise its position on terrorism, government sources had said on Saturday, days after China blocked the fresh move at the UN to designate the JeM chief as a global terrorist.</p>

<p>A placard each had also been slung around the necks of the two effigies, bearing slogan of 'Pakistan Murdabad'.</p>

<p>At the bottom of the heap, a placard reading, "Pakistan this is just a trailer...", was kept. The message in Hindi was apparently a reference to the recent air strike by India on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot region that had escalated tensions between the two countries.</p>

<p>Bonfires are put up on the eve of Holi as part of a festive ritual to symbolically burn 'Holika' or perform 'Holika-dahan' by setting afire wood, dried leaves, twigs and other inflammable articles.</p>

<p>In Patna, the piles, locally called 'agja' were put up on various prominent roads and inner streets to mark the festival. From Kankarbagh Colony to Station area, big bonfire were seen burning till late night in the streets.</p>

<p>State pollution authorities had appealed to people to not burn plastic objects or polythene bags as part of the bonfire.</p>


Residents of a neighbourhood in the Bihar capital this time have put up effigies of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in the streets for torching them as part of a 'Holika-dahan' ritual.

Residents of a neighbourhood in the Bihar capital this time have put up effigies of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed in the streets for torching them as part of a 'Holika-dahan' ritual. The effigies were mounted on top of a huge pile of timber and broken twigs on a street in Kadam Kuan's Nawal Kishor Road, which was burnt to mark 'Holika dahan' or the eve of Holi. The pile faced a shop on the street side, which sells colours, 'pichkaris' (water toy guns) and fancy masks, while an image of a jawan in combat fatigue and pointing a gun, had been put up on an electric pole in the corner of the road. "People from the local area have put effigies to show solidarity with the spirit that terror activities originating from Pakistani soil would not be tolerated by India and its people. Pictures of both the terrorists have been pasted on the faces of the effigies," a local shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named, said before the burning ritual. While Saeed, head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa, who had orchestrated the November 2008 Mumbai terror attack in which 166 people were killed, is a designated terrorist, a fresh move has been made at the UN to designate JeM chief Azhar as a global terrorist. The fresh proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US, in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. JeM had claimed responsibility for the Pulwama attack, which sparked global outrage. India will show patience with China for "as long as it takes" but will not compromise its position on terrorism, government sources had said on Saturday, days after China blocked the fresh move at the UN to designate the JeM chief as a global terrorist. A placard each had also been slung around the necks of the two effigies, bearing slogan of 'Pakistan Murdabad'. At the bottom of the heap, a placard reading, "Pakistan this is just a trailer...", was kept. The message in Hindi was apparently a reference to the recent air strike by India on terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot region that had escalated tensions between the two countries. Bonfires are put up on the eve of Holi as part of a festive ritual to symbolically burn 'Holika' or perform 'Holika-dahan' by setting afire wood, dried leaves, twigs and other inflammable articles. In Patna, the piles, locally called 'agja' were put up on various prominent roads and inner streets to mark the festival. From Kankarbagh Colony to Station area, big bonfire were seen burning till late night in the streets. State pollution authorities had appealed to people to not burn plastic objects or polythene bags as part of the bonfire.

In Patna neighbourhood, Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed effigies burnt in Holi bonfire

People across the globe are celebrating the festival of colours

Here's a glimpse how India is celebrating the festival of Colours, fun and freedom

<p>The festival of Holi is synonymous with colours. While the rituals may vary across the country, colours are one significant feature of this festival that remains unchanged almost everywhere. That is Holi as we popularly know it.</p>

<p>But here's another version of the festival. This lesser known version is celebrated at Mahashmashan cremation ground in Varanasi, where people play Holi with ashes of the dead.</p>

<p>Keeping the local tradition, believed to be 350-year-old, alive in the heart of Varanasi, local devotees on Monday gathered at Manikarnika Ghat and smeared each other with ash and dry colours (<em>gulal</em>) amid burning pyres.</p>

<p>The festival is celebrated a day after Rangbhari Ekadashi. The devotees start their day by offering their prayers at the temple of Mahashamashan Nath (the lord of cremation ground), dedicated to Lord Shiva.</p>

<p><em>Sanyasis </em>(ascetics) and common devotees come together and celebrate this festival, singing folk songs and chanting the name of Lord Shiva.</p>

<p>"<em>Khele Masane mein Holi Digamber, khele masane mein Holi </em>(Lord Shiva plays Holi at cremation place)," the devotees chant while colouring the sky gray with ash and blue, red and green with gulal.</p>

<p>It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation (moksha), when cremated at Manikarnika Ghat. On this day, the city celebrates death with the hope of attaining 'moksha' (salvation).</p>

<p>There are many other local versions of Holi that are far different from what most of the city folks are aware of.</p>

<p>For instance, in Uttar Pradesh's Barsane and Nandgaon, Holi is an elaborate festival that is goes on for days. However, it is celebrated in a different manner each day. It starts with <em>laddu mar</em> Holi, where people play Holi by throwing <em>laddu</em> (an Indian sweet) at each other, adding extra sweetness to the already colourful festival.</p>

<p>A few days later, local residents of both the towns celebrate Lath Maar Holi, a two-day festival where women playfully beat men, who try to put colour on them, with sticks. On the first day of the festival, the men from Nandgon visit Barsane and on the second day, men from Barsane visit Nandgaon to play Holi.</p>

<p>In Uttrakhand, the festival is called Baithaki Holi or Khadi Holi. The day is celebrated as a musical gathering where people don their traditional attire and go around the city in groups singing folk songs.</p>

<p>In a country as diverse as ours, where the spoken language changes after every few kilometres, just like the taste of the water, the festival of Holi might be celebrated in different versions, but the essence remains intact, lots of colours and happiness.</p>


The festival of Holi is synonymous with colours. While the rituals may vary across the country, colours are one significant feature of this festival that remains unchanged almost everywhere.

The festival of Holi is synonymous with colours. While the rituals may vary across the country, colours are one significant feature of this festival that remains unchanged almost everywhere. That is Holi as we popularly know it. But here's another version of the festival. This lesser known version is celebrated at Mahashmashan cremation ground in Varanasi, where people play Holi with ashes of the dead. Keeping the local tradition, believed to be 350-year-old, alive in the heart of Varanasi, local devotees on Monday gathered at Manikarnika Ghat and smeared each other with ash and dry colours (gulal) amid burning pyres. The festival is celebrated a day after Rangbhari Ekadashi. The devotees start their day by offering their prayers at the temple of Mahashamashan Nath (the lord of cremation ground), dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sanyasis (ascetics) and common devotees come together and celebrate this festival, singing folk songs and chanting the name of Lord Shiva. "Khele Masane mein Holi Digamber, khele masane mein Holi (Lord Shiva plays Holi at cremation place)," the devotees chant while colouring the sky gray with ash and blue, red and green with gulal. It is believed that a dead human's soul finds salvation (moksha), when cremated at Manikarnika Ghat. On this day, the city celebrates death with the hope of attaining 'moksha' (salvation). There are many other local versions of Holi that are far different from what most of the city folks are aware of. For instance, in Uttar Pradesh's Barsane and Nandgaon, Holi is an elaborate festival that is goes on for days. However, it is celebrated in a different manner each day. It starts with laddu mar Holi, where people play Holi by throwing laddu (an Indian sweet) at each other, adding extra sweetness to the already colourful festival. A few days later, local residents of both the towns celebrate Lath Maar Holi, a two-day festival where women playfully beat men, who try to put colour on them, with sticks. On the first day of the festival, the men from Nandgon visit Barsane and on the second day, men from Barsane visit Nandgaon to play Holi. In Uttrakhand, the festival is called Baithaki Holi or Khadi Holi. The day is celebrated as a musical gathering where people don their traditional attire and go around the city in groups singing folk songs. In a country as diverse as ours, where the spoken language changes after every few kilometres, just like the taste of the water, the festival of Holi might be celebrated in different versions, but the essence remains intact, lots of colours and happiness.

Holi 2019: In Varanasi, people celebrate with pyre ashes

<p>Just days before Holi, the festival of colours, the focus is back once again on organic colours. These colours are called organic because these are made by using organis waste like used flowers and leaves.</p>

<p>The organic colours are also preferred because of the spate of skin diseases during Holi and the days afterwards.</p>

<p>"In an approximately Rs 4,500-crore unorganised Holi colour market, the share of the organic variety is miniscule, but growing," said Madhumita Puri, Founder and Executive Director of Avacayam Naturals, a Delhi-based manufacturer of organic colours.</p>

<p>The adverse effects of synthetic colours was observed in a study titled 'The Holi Dermatoses', published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology.</p>

<p>In the study conducted on 42 people in Kolkata, 11 of them suffered due to activities related to preparation of colours and 12 reported aggravation of pre-existing dermatoses.</p>

<p>Nearly 60 per cent patients reported itching, while others reported to have suffered from a burning sensation, scaling, redness and watering of the eyes, as per the study.</p>

<p><strong>How organic colours are made</strong></p>

<p>"After the flowers are collected, the workers sort them in different baskets according to their colour. Then, the petals and seed pods are separated and cut. These are then spread out to dry in a well ventilated space for all the moisture to evaporate.</p>

<p>"After that, they are ground and processed - without adding any chemicals - to be made into colours for people to enjoy," said Puri, adding that the process of collection, drying, and grinding continues throughout the year but it is only before festivals that these are processed into the final product.</p>

<p>"In a year, we manufacture around 20 tonne of pure organic colour, some of which is sold to Walmart India. One kilo of colour is sold between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000."</p>

<p>When asked about the expiry date of these colours, Puri said: "The product is a dry one and completely natural. We have been testing them since five years now and have not found any deterioration in the quality, fungal infestations, or weevils. So there is no 'expiry date' to them."</p>

<p>Another such manufacturer is Jaipur-based Red Earth which makes colours "exclusively from edible materials and scent them with pure, traditional attars".</p>

<p>Himanshu Verma, Director-Owner of Red Earth, said, "Every 2-3 years, we change our colour palette... this year we have four colours - <em>Sunehra Dhamaal, Shvet Abeer, Neem Sanrachna,</em> and <em>Gulabi Nagariya</em> - that are inspired by local materials."</p>

<p>"The colours are curated on the basis of availability of local materials. We use items like camphor, <em>neem, mehendi, multani-mitti, geru</em> powder, arrowroot, flour, and others," Verma said, adding that 50-60 per cent materials used are edible so that even if someone ingests them by mistake, they will not be as harmful.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from IANS)</em></p>


Just days before Holi, the festival of colours, the focus is back once again on organic colours. These colours are called organic because these are made by using organis waste like used flowers and leaves.

Just days before Holi, the festival of colours, the focus is back once again on organic colours. These colours are called organic because these are made by using organis waste like used flowers and leaves. The organic colours are also preferred because of the spate of skin diseases during Holi and the days afterwards. "In an approximately Rs 4,500-crore unorganised Holi colour market, the share of the organic variety is miniscule, but growing," said Madhumita Puri, Founder and Executive Director of Avacayam Naturals, a Delhi-based manufacturer of organic colours. The adverse effects of synthetic colours was observed in a study titled 'The Holi Dermatoses', published in the Indian Journal of Dermatology. In the study conducted on 42 people in Kolkata, 11 of them suffered due to activities related to preparation of colours and 12 reported aggravation of pre-existing dermatoses. Nearly 60 per cent patients reported itching, while others reported to have suffered from a burning sensation, scaling, redness and watering of the eyes, as per the study. How organic colours are made "After the flowers are collected, the workers sort them in different baskets according to their colour. Then, the petals and seed pods are separated and cut. These are then spread out to dry in a well ventilated space for all the moisture to evaporate. "After that, they are ground and processed - without adding any chemicals - to be made into colours for people to enjoy," said Puri, adding that the process of collection, drying, and grinding continues throughout the year but it is only before festivals that these are processed into the final product. "In a year, we manufacture around 20 tonne of pure organic colour, some of which is sold to Walmart India. One kilo of colour is sold between Rs 600 and Rs 1,000." When asked about the expiry date of these colours, Puri said: "The product is a dry one and completely natural. We have been testing them since five years now and have not found any deterioration in the quality, fungal infestations, or weevils. So there is no 'expiry date' to them." Another such manufacturer is Jaipur-based Red Earth which makes colours "exclusively from edible materials and scent them with pure, traditional attars". Himanshu Verma, Director-Owner of Red Earth, said, "Every 2-3 years, we change our colour palette... this year we have four colours - Sunehra Dhamaal, Shvet Abeer, Neem Sanrachna, and Gulabi Nagariya - that are inspired by local materials." "The colours are curated on the basis of availability of local materials. We use items like camphor, neem, mehendi, multani-mitti, geru powder, arrowroot, flour, and others," Verma said, adding that 50-60 per cent materials used are edible so that even if someone ingests them by mistake, they will not be as harmful. (With inputs from IANS)

Holi 2019: Organic colours and their growing usage

<p>Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country.</p>

<p>Clouds of colours in the air, kids running armed with pichkaris, gulal smeared faces, bhang spiked thandai, gujia and dahi vadas beautifully served in plates is how Holi is celebrated in different ways in India.</p>

<p>Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same.</p>

<p>There are multiple ways Holi is celebrated across the nation. Let’s have a look at them.</p>

<p><strong>Lath Mar Holi in the Braj Region, Uttar Pradesh</strong></p>

<p>The moment we hear the word Holi, we correlate it with Vrindavan and the Braj region. Traditionally associated with Lord Krishna, the localities in the Braj Region, like Agra, Mathura, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana, are the major tourist attractions during the Holi season.</p>

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<p>In these localities, especially in Barsana, people celebrate Lath mar Holi in the Radha Rani temple’s compound. In this ritual, women beat up men with sticks (Lathi) as the men sing Holi songs. This unique form of celebration denotes men singing to gather women’s attention and women protecting themselves by chasing men away with sticks.</p>

<p><strong>Kumaoni Khadi Holi</strong></p>

<p>The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair in the form of Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the songs on which they are based have a touch of melody, fun and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvana Ki Holi or Holi of Salvation.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Kumaoni Khadi Holi (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Hola Mahalla, Punjab</strong></p>

<p>Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. This festival is observed by Nihang Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts and sing their hearts out on this day, that is usually celebrated a day before Holi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Bengali Holi</strong></p>

<p>Holi is known as Dol Purnima in Bengal and Orissa, celebrated in most sophisticated style by using dry colours. &nbsp;Concoction of Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur and Nature dance to the indigenous tunes of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians set a mood so surreal that it is hard to put it in words.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Shanti Niketan organizes a special function on Holi and celebrate using the song, dance and musical instruments.</p>

<p><strong>Shigmo festival, Goa</strong></p>

<p>Shigmo parade is a religious Hindu festival filled with colours, music, dance and floats. It depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi performing on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa. The streets of Goa during Shigmotsav are lit up with attractive décor, lively parades, delicious Goan delicacies, and music and dance performances.</p>

<p><strong>Yaoshang Festival</strong></p>

<p>In Manipur, Holi or Yaosang is celebrated for six days. It starts on the day of the full moon and combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance that is performed during. To add to the traditions and maintain uniformity, the Hindus of Manipur play this festival with colours too.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Manjal Kuli or Ukuli, Kerala</strong></p>

<p>Kerala celebrates its own version of Holi in the form of Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. The festival is not so popular across the state, however, it is the traditional celebration that is prevalent amongst the Konkani and Kudumbi communities in the region that shouldn't be missed. The primary colour used in Manjal Kulli is turmeric.</p>

<p><strong>Phakuwah, Assam&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Assamese called Holi as Phagwah which is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement for 2 days. On the 1st day, mud huts are burnt representing the fable of Holika Dahan. On the 2ndday, the natives make merry it with colours similar to others!</p>

<p><strong>Rang Panchami, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh</strong></p>

<p>Color merriment happens on the 5th-day post-Holika Dahan and is known as Rang Panchami. Huge processions of coloured people march in the city and celebrate Rang Panchami which is also known as Holi Krishna.</p>

<p><strong>Udaipur: Royal Holika Dahan</strong><br />
In Udaipur, the festival of Holi spells class and imperiality. From Holika Dahan, fireworks to spraying colours, all rituals and celebration take place. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of Holi celebration in India. It takes place in City Palace in Udaipur. The royal family of the Mewar dynasty is keeping their annual tradition alive till date.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same.

Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country. Clouds of colours in the air, kids running armed with pichkaris, gulal smeared faces, bhang spiked thandai, gujia and dahi vadas beautifully served in plates is how Holi is celebrated in different ways in India. Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same. There are multiple ways Holi is celebrated across the nation. Let’s have a look at them. Lath Mar Holi in the Braj Region, Uttar Pradesh The moment we hear the word Holi, we correlate it with Vrindavan and the Braj region. Traditionally associated with Lord Krishna, the localities in the Braj Region, like Agra, Mathura, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana, are the major tourist attractions during the Holi season. × In these localities, especially in Barsana, people celebrate Lath mar Holi in the Radha Rani temple’s compound. In this ritual, women beat up men with sticks (Lathi) as the men sing Holi songs. This unique form of celebration denotes men singing to gather women’s attention and women protecting themselves by chasing men away with sticks. Kumaoni Khadi Holi The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair in the form of Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the songs on which they are based have a touch of melody, fun and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvana Ki Holi or Holi of Salvation. Kumaoni Khadi Holi (Others) × Hola Mahalla, Punjab Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day. × On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. This festival is observed by Nihang Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts and sing their hearts out on this day, that is usually celebrated a day before Holi. Bengali Holi Holi is known as Dol Purnima in Bengal and Orissa, celebrated in most sophisticated style by using dry colours. Concoction of Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur and Nature dance to the indigenous tunes of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians set a mood so surreal that it is hard to put it in words. × Shanti Niketan organizes a special function on Holi and celebrate using the song, dance and musical instruments. Shigmo festival, Goa Shigmo parade is a religious Hindu festival filled with colours, music, dance and floats. It depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi performing on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa. The streets of Goa during Shigmotsav are lit up with attractive décor, lively parades, delicious Goan delicacies, and music and dance performances. Yaoshang Festival In Manipur, Holi or Yaosang is celebrated for six days. It starts on the day of the full moon and combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance that is performed during. To add to the traditions and maintain uniformity, the Hindus of Manipur play this festival with colours too. Manjal Kuli or Ukuli, Kerala Kerala celebrates its own version of Holi in the form of Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. The festival is not so popular across the state, however, it is the traditional celebration that is prevalent amongst the Konkani and Kudumbi communities in the region that shouldn't be missed. The primary colour used in Manjal Kulli is turmeric. Phakuwah, Assam Assamese called Holi as Phagwah which is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement for 2 days. On the 1st day, mud huts are burnt representing the fable of Holika Dahan. On the 2ndday, the natives make merry it with colours similar to others! Rang Panchami, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh Color merriment happens on the 5th-day post-Holika Dahan and is known as Rang Panchami. Huge processions of coloured people march in the city and celebrate Rang Panchami which is also known as Holi Krishna. Udaipur: Royal Holika Dahan In Udaipur, the festival of Holi spells class and imperiality. From Holika Dahan, fireworks to spraying colours, all rituals and celebration take place. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of Holi celebration in India. It takes place in City Palace in Udaipur. The royal family of the Mewar dynasty is keeping their annual tradition alive till date. ×

Different types of Holi celebrations in India

<p>Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country.</p>

<p>Clouds of colours in the air, kids running armed with pichkaris, gulal smeared faces, bhang spiked thandai, gujia and dahi vadas beautifully served in plates is how Holi is celebrated in different ways in India.</p>

<p>Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same.</p>

<p>There are multiple ways Holi is celebrated across the nation. Let’s have a look at them.</p>

<p><strong>Lath Mar Holi in the Braj Region, Uttar Pradesh</strong></p>

<p>The moment we hear the word Holi, we correlate it with Vrindavan and the Braj region. Traditionally associated with Lord Krishna, the localities in the Braj Region, like Agra, Mathura, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana, are the major tourist attractions during the Holi season.</p>

<p>In these localities, especially in Barsana, people celebrate Lath mar Holi in the Radha Rani temple’s compound. In this ritual, women beat up men with sticks (Lathi) as the men sing Holi songs. This unique form of celebration denotes men singing to gather women’s attention and women protecting themselves by chasing men away with sticks.</p>

<p><strong>Kumaoni Khadi Holi</strong></p>

<p>The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair in the form of Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the songs on which they are based have a touch of melody, fun and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvana Ki Holi or Holi of Salvation.</p>

<p><strong>Hola Mahalla, Punjab</strong></p>

<p>Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day.</p>

<p>On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. This festival is observed by Nihang Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts and sing their hearts out on this day, that is usually celebrated a day before Holi.</p>

<p><strong>Bengali Holi</strong></p>

<p>Holi is known as Dol Purnima in Bengal and Orissa, celebrated in most sophisticated style by using dry colours.&nbsp; A concoction of Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur and Nature dance to the indigenous tunes of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians set a mood so surreal that it is hard to put it in words.</p>

<p>Shanti Niketan organizes a special function on Holi and celebrates using the song, dance and musical instruments.</p>

<p><strong>Shigmo festival, Goa</strong></p>

<p>Shigmo parade is a religious Hindu festival filled with colours, music, dance and floats. It depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi performing on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa. The streets of Goa during Shigmotsav are lit up with attractive décor, lively parades, delicious Goan delicacies, and music and dance performances.</p>

<p><strong>Yaoshang Festival</strong></p>

<p>In Manipur, Holi or Yaosang is celebrated for six days. It starts on the day of the full moon and combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance that is performed during. To add to the traditions and maintain uniformity, the Hindus of Manipur play this festival with colours too.</p>

<p><strong>Manjal Kuli or Ukuli, Kerala</strong></p>

<p>Kerala celebrates its own version of Holi in the form of Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. The festival is not so popular across the state, however, it is the traditional celebration that is prevalent amongst the Konkani and Kudumbi communities in the region that shouldn't be missed. The primary colour used in Manjal Kulli is turmeric.</p>

<p><strong>Phakuwah, Assam</strong></p>

<p>Assamese called Holi as Phagwah which is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement for 2 days. On the 1st day, mud huts are burnt representing the fable of Holika Dahan. On the 2ndday, the natives make merry it with colours similar to others!</p>

<p><strong>Rang Panchami, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh</strong></p>

<p>Colour merriment happens on the 5th-day post-Holika Dahan and is known as Rang Panchami. Huge processions of coloured people march in the city and celebrate Rang Panchami which is also known as Holi Krishna.</p>

<p><strong>Udaipur: Royal Holika Dahan</strong></p>

<p>In Udaipur, the festival of Holi spells class and imperiality. From Holika Dahan, fireworks to spraying colours, all rituals and celebration take place. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of Holi celebration in India. It takes place in City Palace in Udaipur. The royal family of the Mewar dynasty is keeping their annual tradition alive till date.</p>


Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country. Clouds of colours in the air, kids running armed with pichkaris, gulal smeared faces, bhang spiked thandai, gujia and dahi vadas beautifully served in plates is how Holi is celebrated in different ways in India.

Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in the country. Clouds of colours in the air, kids running armed with pichkaris, gulal smeared faces, bhang spiked thandai, gujia and dahi vadas beautifully served in plates is how Holi is celebrated in different ways in India. Though the way of celebrating the festival differs from state to state, but the spirit and enthusiasm remain the same. There are multiple ways Holi is celebrated across the nation. Let’s have a look at them. Lath Mar Holi in the Braj Region, Uttar Pradesh The moment we hear the word Holi, we correlate it with Vrindavan and the Braj region. Traditionally associated with Lord Krishna, the localities in the Braj Region, like Agra, Mathura, Nandgaon, Vrindavan, and Barsana, are the major tourist attractions during the Holi season. In these localities, especially in Barsana, people celebrate Lath mar Holi in the Radha Rani temple’s compound. In this ritual, women beat up men with sticks (Lathi) as the men sing Holi songs. This unique form of celebration denotes men singing to gather women’s attention and women protecting themselves by chasing men away with sticks. Kumaoni Khadi Holi The uniqueness of the Kumaoni Holi lies in its being a musical affair in the form of Baithki Holi, Khari Holi and the Mahila Holi. The Baithki Holi and Khari Holi are unique in that the songs on which they are based have a touch of melody, fun and spiritualism. These songs are essentially based on classical ragas. No wonder then the Baithki Holi is also known as Nirvana Ki Holi or Holi of Salvation. Hola Mahalla, Punjab Hola Mohalla or Hola Mahalla or simply Hola is a Sikh festival that takes place on the first of the lunar month of Chet which usually falls in March. This, by a tradition established by Guru Gobind Singh, follows the Hindu festival of Holi by one day. On this three-day grand festival, mock battles, exhibitions, display of weapons, etc., are held followed by kirtan, music and poetry competitions. This festival is observed by Nihang Sikhs. They exhibit martial arts and sing their hearts out on this day, that is usually celebrated a day before Holi. Bengali Holi Holi is known as Dol Purnima in Bengal and Orissa, celebrated in most sophisticated style by using dry colours. A concoction of Chau dance, Darbari Jhumur and Nature dance to the indigenous tunes of West Bengal's wandering Baul musicians set a mood so surreal that it is hard to put it in words. Shanti Niketan organizes a special function on Holi and celebrates using the song, dance and musical instruments. Shigmo festival, Goa Shigmo parade is a religious Hindu festival filled with colours, music, dance and floats. It depicts the life of a Goan in elaborate traditional folk dances like Ghode Modni and Fugdi performing on streets in massive troupes along the procession, showcasing the tradition of Goa. The streets of Goa during Shigmotsav are lit up with attractive décor, lively parades, delicious Goan delicacies, and music and dance performances. Yaoshang Festival In Manipur, Holi or Yaosang is celebrated for six days. It starts on the day of the full moon and combines Hindu and indigenous traditions. The highlight of the festival is the Thabal chongba, a Manipuri folk dance that is performed during. To add to the traditions and maintain uniformity, the Hindus of Manipur play this festival with colours too. Manjal Kuli or Ukuli, Kerala Kerala celebrates its own version of Holi in the form of Ukuli or Manjal Kuli. The festival is not so popular across the state, however, it is the traditional celebration that is prevalent amongst the Konkani and Kudumbi communities in the region that shouldn't be missed. The primary colour used in Manjal Kulli is turmeric. Phakuwah, Assam Assamese called Holi as Phagwah which is celebrated with a lot of joy and excitement for 2 days. On the 1st day, mud huts are burnt representing the fable of Holika Dahan. On the 2ndday, the natives make merry it with colours similar to others! Rang Panchami, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh Colour merriment happens on the 5th-day post-Holika Dahan and is known as Rang Panchami. Huge processions of coloured people march in the city and celebrate Rang Panchami which is also known as Holi Krishna. Udaipur: Royal Holika Dahan In Udaipur, the festival of Holi spells class and imperiality. From Holika Dahan, fireworks to spraying colours, all rituals and celebration take place. Holika Dahan marks the beginning of Holi celebration in India. It takes place in City Palace in Udaipur. The royal family of the Mewar dynasty is keeping their annual tradition alive till date.

Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui celebrates Holi in New Delhi

All about Basant Panchami - the festival of spring

<p>More than 12,000 people were booked by the Delhi Police on Holi for different traffic violations in the city, even as the police control room (PCR) received over 77,000 distress calls.</p>

<p>The number of calls received by the police this Holi registered over 100 per cent growth as compared to 2017 when 35,474 such calls were received.</p>

<p>The police control room received a total of 77,805 calls from the morning of Holi till the next morning this year. Over 51,000 of these were blank calls, said a senior police officer.</p>

<p>Most of the distress calls responded by the police were related to quarrels, he said.</p>

<p>&quot;Police responded to 20,973 distress calls, including 14,339 complaints of quarrel on minor issues in different parts of the city,&quot; the officer said.</p>

<p>Around 5-6 per cent calls were related to accidents, he said.</p>

<p>According to the data by the Traffic Police, a total of 12,626 persons were prosecuted for different traffic violations, including drunken driving.</p>

<p>Bikers and other two wheeler riders gave us a hard time by rash driving, not wearing helmets and tripling, said a traffic police officer.</p>

<p>Traffic police personnel were deployed at all major intersections and vulnerable points in the run up to the festival. A total of 9,848 challans amounting to Rs 13,95,800 was collected from the law-breakers, he said.</p>

<p>Court challans were issued to 2,778 violators while 1,267 vehicles were impounded, he said.</p>

<p>A total of 678 people were booked for driving under the influence of alcohol, the officer said.</p>

<p>Over 5,000 bikers were booked for not wearing helmets, while 1,209 were fined for triple riding, he said.</p>

<p>Other violations like red light jumping, dangerous driving, over-speeding among others were also checked by the traffic police.</p>

<p>The Delhi Police had made elaborate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident during the Holi celebrations and deployed a huge number of personnel to maintain law and order, and prevent violation of traffic rules in the city.</p>


The number of calls received by the police this Holi registered over 100 per cent growth as compared to 2017 when 35,474 such calls were received

More than 12,000 people were booked by the Delhi Police on Holi for different traffic violations in the city, even as the police control room (PCR) received over 77,000 distress calls. The number of calls received by the police this Holi registered over 100 per cent growth as compared to 2017 when 35,474 such calls were received. The police control room received a total of 77,805 calls from the morning of Holi till the next morning this year. Over 51,000 of these were blank calls, said a senior police officer. Most of the distress calls responded by the police were related to quarrels, he said. "Police responded to 20,973 distress calls, including 14,339 complaints of quarrel on minor issues in different parts of the city," the officer said. Around 5-6 per cent calls were related to accidents, he said. According to the data by the Traffic Police, a total of 12,626 persons were prosecuted for different traffic violations, including drunken driving. Bikers and other two wheeler riders gave us a hard time by rash driving, not wearing helmets and tripling, said a traffic police officer. Traffic police personnel were deployed at all major intersections and vulnerable points in the run up to the festival. A total of 9,848 challans amounting to Rs 13,95,800 was collected from the law-breakers, he said. Court challans were issued to 2,778 violators while 1,267 vehicles were impounded, he said. A total of 678 people were booked for driving under the influence of alcohol, the officer said. Over 5,000 bikers were booked for not wearing helmets, while 1,209 were fined for triple riding, he said. Other violations like red light jumping, dangerous driving, over-speeding among others were also checked by the traffic police. The Delhi Police had made elaborate arrangements to prevent any untoward incident during the Holi celebrations and deployed a huge number of personnel to maintain law and order, and prevent violation of traffic rules in the city.

12,000 people prosecuted in Delhi; 77,000 PCR calls this Holi

<p>Chandra badani kholo dwar/Tihare Manmohan thare hai Holi khelne ko ( Open the door, moon/ Krishna is waiting to play Holi )&rsquo;</p>

<p>On a cold afternoon in March, women&rsquo;s voices reverberate in the foothills of the Panchachuli peaks. It has rained in the morning, and the sky is still overcast. &nbsp;As I draw closer to the panchayat office of Sarmoli village of Munsiari block in Pithoragarh district, the rhythm of the dholak becomes louder. As soon as I cross a mountain bend, I see dozens of women moving in a circle and singing songs of Holi under a wide open sky, in the shadows of the Himalayas.</p>

<p>In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Holi, which began on March 8 this year, is more than just about colours &ndash; it is a festival of songs and music, of rhythm and melody. The region celebrates different forms of Holi, all of them musical. It is a time when women as well as men transform into melodious Holiyars &ndash; those who sing songs of Holi.</p>

<p>Long gatherings ( baithaks ) are called &lsquo;Baithki Holi&rsquo; and are popular across the towns and villages of Kumaon. Women have their baithaks in homes. They sing songs in Hindi, Brajbhasha, Awadhi and Kumaoni, to the accompaniment of the harmonium, tabla and drums.</p>

<p>&ldquo;This is the time when we laugh, have fun, sing loudly and dance. Other times, we remain busy with our farming, children and cattle. Through these songs, we also make fun of each other or speak of scandals of the village. Unless you see them dancing, you won&rsquo;t believe these are the same women who work so hard in the hills with their face down,&rdquo; says Sundari Lachpal of Sarmoli.</p>

<p>Baithki Holi is said to date back to the mid-19th century, when renowned musician Ustad Amanullah Khan from Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh, introduced it to Almora. &ldquo;It is said that around 1850, Khan came to Almora and initiated classical music here,&rdquo; says Naveen Bisht, a Holiyar in Almora. &ldquo;But even people with no knowledge of Hindustani classical music can learn and sings songs of Holi, which is why the tradition of Holiyar is still alive.&rdquo;</p>

<p>According to the Hindu calendar, Holi in Kumaon starts in December, on the first day of the month of Paush. But celebrations really pick up only in March, a week before Dhaulendi, or the day of Holi with colours. Around this time, Baithki Holi transforms into Khadi Holi &ndash; standing and dancing to celebrate the advent of spring. In some villages, the women visit each house in the village and dance to the songs of Holi.</p>

<p>Then there is Mahila Holi, also celebrated exclusively by women in homes and temples a week before the day of Holi. The women gather, dance and sing songs to the gods, to Radha-Krishna, Ganesh and Shiv.</p>

<p>In early March, I attended three Mahila Holi celebrations in the villages of Munsiari block of Pithoragarh district. This photo essay documents the festivities in chilly Munsiari (&lsquo;place of snow&rsquo;) &ndash; located 2,270 metres above sea level &ndash; and records the songs of Holi sung by Kumaoni women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Women dance and sing songs outside the Panchayat office in Sarmoli (Others)</p>
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<p>Sundari Lachpal beats the dholak , while other women move around in circles and sing songs of Holi outside the panchayat office in Sarmoli. The ribbons tied to the drum are a homage to Ishta Devta, a deity.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>women apply gulal on each other&#39;s forhead. (Others)</p>
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<p>As soon as women arrive at the panchayat office, others apply gulal on their forehead &ndash; as the celebrations progress, so does the spread of gulal.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days. An 8 years old, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. (Others)</p>
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<p>Heera Devi takes the drum from Sundari Lachpal. The women take turns to dance, while Bhavesh Singh, 8, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served during the celebrations. (Others)</p>
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<p>Steaming hot tea for around 50 women is being made on the fire. Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served to everyone. Groups of people in the different hamlets take turns to arrange the food for a day as the Mahila Holi celebrations pass on to other hamlets. &ldquo; The celebrations are organised by the women &ndash; in one part of the village one day, in another part the next day and it goes on, so that everyone has a chance to host Holi. The finances are also shared equally by everyone,&rdquo; says Manju Tripathi of Ghorpatta Malla village.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Women of Ghorpatta Malla celebrate Baithki Holi by singing songs about Radha-Krishna, Shiv and Ganesh. (Others)</p>
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<p>The dholak and tambourine are essential parts of a Kumaoni Holi. (Others)</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>A seven-year old Chetna Singh dances during Khadi Holi (Others)</p>
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<p>Khadi Holi comes after Baithki Holi &ndash; here, Manju Tripathi, the host of the day, dances to melodies of Holi, as does seven-year old Chetna Singh.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Women from different regions come together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan to celebrate Mahila Holi. (Others)</p>
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<p>In Sarmoli, the women of Darkot, Nansem, Naya Basti, Sarmoli and Sankdhura huddle together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan, a network of women that organises homestays to celebrate Mahila Holi. It has just started to snow outside</p>

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<p>The women apply gulal to each other, while many others begin to arrive regardless of the rain and snow. (Others)</p>
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<p>villages of Munsiari are covered in snow. (Others)</p>
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<p>On March 10, the villages of Munsiari are covered in snow, while the ivory peaks of Panchachuli watch over the celebrations as the melodies continue to reverberate amid the &nbsp;mountains&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>This <a href="rel=" target="blank">article</a> was originally published on March 17, 2017, in <a href="https://ruralindiaonline.org/">People&#39;s Archive of Rural India</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>


In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, different types of Holi are celebrated. The festivities are a time for the women in the villages here to sing and dance, and celebrate the advent of spring.

Chandra badani kholo dwar/Tihare Manmohan thare hai Holi khelne ko ( Open the door, moon/ Krishna is waiting to play Holi )’ On a cold afternoon in March, women’s voices reverberate in the foothills of the Panchachuli peaks. It has rained in the morning, and the sky is still overcast. As I draw closer to the panchayat office of Sarmoli village of Munsiari block in Pithoragarh district, the rhythm of the dholak becomes louder. As soon as I cross a mountain bend, I see dozens of women moving in a circle and singing songs of Holi under a wide open sky, in the shadows of the Himalayas. In the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Holi, which began on March 8 this year, is more than just about colours – it is a festival of songs and music, of rhythm and melody. The region celebrates different forms of Holi, all of them musical. It is a time when women as well as men transform into melodious Holiyars – those who sing songs of Holi. Long gatherings ( baithaks ) are called ‘Baithki Holi’ and are popular across the towns and villages of Kumaon. Women have their baithaks in homes. They sing songs in Hindi, Brajbhasha, Awadhi and Kumaoni, to the accompaniment of the harmonium, tabla and drums. “This is the time when we laugh, have fun, sing loudly and dance. Other times, we remain busy with our farming, children and cattle. Through these songs, we also make fun of each other or speak of scandals of the village. Unless you see them dancing, you won’t believe these are the same women who work so hard in the hills with their face down,” says Sundari Lachpal of Sarmoli. Baithki Holi is said to date back to the mid-19th century, when renowned musician Ustad Amanullah Khan from Rampur district in Uttar Pradesh, introduced it to Almora. “It is said that around 1850, Khan came to Almora and initiated classical music here,” says Naveen Bisht, a Holiyar in Almora. “But even people with no knowledge of Hindustani classical music can learn and sings songs of Holi, which is why the tradition of Holiyar is still alive.” According to the Hindu calendar, Holi in Kumaon starts in December, on the first day of the month of Paush. But celebrations really pick up only in March, a week before Dhaulendi, or the day of Holi with colours. Around this time, Baithki Holi transforms into Khadi Holi – standing and dancing to celebrate the advent of spring. In some villages, the women visit each house in the village and dance to the songs of Holi. Then there is Mahila Holi, also celebrated exclusively by women in homes and temples a week before the day of Holi. The women gather, dance and sing songs to the gods, to Radha-Krishna, Ganesh and Shiv. In early March, I attended three Mahila Holi celebrations in the villages of Munsiari block of Pithoragarh district. This photo essay documents the festivities in chilly Munsiari (‘place of snow’) – located 2,270 metres above sea level – and records the songs of Holi sung by Kumaoni women. Women dance and sing songs outside the Panchayat office in Sarmoli (Others) × Sundari Lachpal beats the dholak , while other women move around in circles and sing songs of Holi outside the panchayat office in Sarmoli. The ribbons tied to the drum are a homage to Ishta Devta, a deity. women apply gulal on each other's forhead. (Others) × As soon as women arrive at the panchayat office, others apply gulal on their forehead – as the celebrations progress, so does the spread of gulal. Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days. An 8 years old, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. (Others) × Heera Devi takes the drum from Sundari Lachpal. The women take turns to dance, while Bhavesh Singh, 8, plays the cymbals with enthusiasm. Mahila Holi continues in Sarmoli for five days. Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served during the celebrations. (Others) × Steaming hot tea for around 50 women is being made on the fire. Pakodas, halwa , chips and tea are served to everyone. Groups of people in the different hamlets take turns to arrange the food for a day as the Mahila Holi celebrations pass on to other hamlets. “ The celebrations are organised by the women – in one part of the village one day, in another part the next day and it goes on, so that everyone has a chance to host Holi. The finances are also shared equally by everyone,” says Manju Tripathi of Ghorpatta Malla village. Women of Ghorpatta Malla celebrate Baithki Holi by singing songs about Radha-Krishna, Shiv and Ganesh. (Others) × The dholak and tambourine are essential parts of a Kumaoni Holi. (Others) × A seven-year old Chetna Singh dances during Khadi Holi (Others) × Khadi Holi comes after Baithki Holi – here, Manju Tripathi, the host of the day, dances to melodies of Holi, as does seven-year old Chetna Singh. Women from different regions come together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan to celebrate Mahila Holi. (Others) × In Sarmoli, the women of Darkot, Nansem, Naya Basti, Sarmoli and Sankdhura huddle together inside the one-room office of Maati Sangathan, a network of women that organises homestays to celebrate Mahila Holi. It has just started to snow outside The women apply gulal to each other, while many others begin to arrive regardless of the rain and snow. (Others) × villages of Munsiari are covered in snow. (Others) × On March 10, the villages of Munsiari are covered in snow, while the ivory peaks of Panchachuli watch over the celebrations as the melodies continue to reverberate amid the mountains This article was originally published on March 17, 2017, in People's Archive of Rural India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Melodies of Mahila Holi reverberate amid the mountains of Munsiari

<p>We informed you about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ranveer-singh-to-host-holi-party-for-pharrell-williams-today-and-it-will-be-live-streamed-34478" target="_blank">grand Holi party</a>&nbsp;with Ranveer Singh is hosting international pop icon Pharrell Williams today.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Looks like the party has started and all videos and photos of the event are proof that it&#39;s one crazy get-together.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Watch Ranveer go crazy dancing on <em>Malhari:&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p>Ranveer Singh had earlier shared a photo on Instagram that read: &#39;Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh&#39;. The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch!</p>

<p>As to why this&nbsp;party was organised, according to a report published in a leading daily, a source said: &ldquo;Pharrell is coming down to India to launch his new clothing line that is inspired by the festival of colours, Holi. And since Ranveer is also the brand ambassador of the same brand, they thought why not get the biggest young face of Bollywood to host one of the biggest singing sensations of the world. It&rsquo;s a genius idea to get Ranveer and Pharrell play Holi together. The event is on March 2nd and as you can imagine, things will go berserk.&quot;</p>

<p>The report adds: &ldquo;The organisers are set to utilise their strong social media presence during the event to popularise the Holi party and make it a blockbuster success.&quot;</p>

<p>On the work front, Ranveer&#39;s last release <em>Padmaavat</em> alongside Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor has become a blockbuster. The actor is currently shooting for Zoya Akhtar&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-ranveer-singh-alia-bhatts-gully-boy-to-release-on-valentines-day-next-year-32459" target="_blank"><em>Gully Boy</em></a>. He will be working alongside Alia Bhatt in the film. The film is based on the lives of rappers Divine and Naezy.&nbsp;</p>


This will be the first time when singer Pharrell Williams will be attending a Holi party and Ranveer is keen on making it a memorable one for him

We informed you about the grand Holi party with Ranveer Singh is hosting international pop icon Pharrell Williams today. Looks like the party has started and all videos and photos of the event are proof that it's one crazy get-together. × × Watch Ranveer go crazy dancing on Malhari: × × Ranveer Singh had earlier shared a photo on Instagram that read: 'Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh'. The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch! As to why this party was organised, according to a report published in a leading daily, a source said: “Pharrell is coming down to India to launch his new clothing line that is inspired by the festival of colours, Holi. And since Ranveer is also the brand ambassador of the same brand, they thought why not get the biggest young face of Bollywood to host one of the biggest singing sensations of the world. It’s a genius idea to get Ranveer and Pharrell play Holi together. The event is on March 2nd and as you can imagine, things will go berserk." The report adds: “The organisers are set to utilise their strong social media presence during the event to popularise the Holi party and make it a blockbuster success." On the work front, Ranveer's last release Padmaavat alongside Deepika Padukone and Shahid Kapoor has become a blockbuster. The actor is currently shooting for Zoya Akhtar's Gully Boy. He will be working alongside Alia Bhatt in the film. The film is based on the lives of rappers Divine and Naezy.

Ranveer Singh is killing it with Pharrell Williams at his Holi party, we have proof!

<p>Trust Ranveer Singh to go a notch higher than everyone else when it comes to making news for his quirky ways. The bold actor who never shies from going over the top when it comes to his choice of clothes or his manner of conduct as a public figure -- is now set to make the international icon and singer Pharrell Williams witness the biggest ever Holi party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>What seemed like a rumour at first is now confirmed as Ranveer Singh shared details of the much-awaited Holi party with an Instagram post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i6Q1wnb6DdI" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>He shared a photo which reads: &#39;Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh&#39;.&nbsp;The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch!</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bfx-i5yBO9q/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">I&rsquo;m getting @pharrell to experience his first ever Holi! Go to the link in my bio to join in the festivity. #adidasPharrellWilliams Tomorrow at 6pm IST, 12:30pm GMT, 7:30am EST</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ranveersingh/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Ranveer Singh</a> (@ranveersingh) on <time datetime="2018-03-01T12:38:47+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 1, 2018 at 4:38am PST</time></p>
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<p>If you&#39;re wondering what makes Pharrell visit India at this time, according to a report published in a leading daily, a source said:&nbsp;&ldquo;Pharrell is coming down to India to launch his new clothing line that is inspired by the festival of colours, Holi. And since Ranveer is also the brand ambassador of the same brand, they thought why not get the biggest young face of Bollywood to host one of the biggest singing sensations of the world. It&rsquo;s a genius idea to get Ranveer and Pharrell play Holi together. The event is&nbsp;on March 2nd&nbsp;and as you can imagine, things will go berserk.&quot;</p>

<p>The report adds:&nbsp;&ldquo;The organisers are set to utilise their strong social media presence during the event to popularise the Holi party and make it a blockbuster success.&quot;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Trust Ranveer Singh to go a notch higher than everyone else when it comes to making news for his quirky ways. The bold actor who never shies from going over the top when it comes to his choice of clothes or his manner of conduct as a public figure -- is now set to make the international icon and singer Pharrell Williams witness the biggest ever Holi party. What seemed like a rumour at first is now confirmed as Ranveer Singh shared details of the much-awaited Holi party with an Instagram post. He shared a photo which reads: 'Join Pharrell in India. Streaming live from the Holi festival hosted by Ranveer Singh'. The post goes on to reveal that the party will take place on March 2, 2018, starting from 6 pm and the best part if you have noticed, is that it be live for all of us to watch! I’m getting @pharrell to experience his first ever Holi! Go to the link in my bio to join in the festivity. #adidasPharrellWilliams Tomorrow at 6pm IST, 12:30pm GMT, 7:30am EST A post shared by Ranveer Singh (@ranveersingh) on Mar 1, 2018 at 4:38am PST × If you're wondering what makes Pharrell visit India at this time, according to a report published in a leading daily, a source said: “Pharrell is coming down to India to launch his new clothing line that is inspired by the festival of colours, Holi. And since Ranveer is also the brand ambassador of the same brand, they thought why not get the biggest young face of Bollywood to host one of the biggest singing sensations of the world. It’s a genius idea to get Ranveer and Pharrell play Holi together. The event is on March 2nd and as you can imagine, things will go berserk." The report adds: “The organisers are set to utilise their strong social media presence during the event to popularise the Holi party and make it a blockbuster success."

Ranveer Singh to host Holi party for Pharrell Williams today and it will be live streamed!

<p>The festival of colours is here and Bollywood, unlike every year, is not gearing up for extravagant Holi parties owing to the sudden demise of veteran actress Sridevi on February 24 in Dubai. As she was laid to rest on February 28 amid the presence of the entire entertainment industry at her funeral, most Bollywood families have announced almost no parties or&nbsp;sober ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amitabh Bachchan&nbsp;on March 1, Holi eve took to Twitter to share some pictures of Holi celebrations at his residence in Mumbai and they are proof that Bollywood is in no mood for fun right now.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In pictures, Bachchan and his family including wife Jaya, daughter Shweta, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and grand-daughter Aaradhya were seen in front of the burning of Holika, applying tilak on each other&#39;s foreheads and eating some Holi delicacies in front of the pyre.&nbsp;Interestingly, Abhishek Bachchan was missing from the pictures.</p>

<p>See the photos here:&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan&#39;s residence. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan&#39;s residence. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan&#39;s residence. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan&#39;s residence. (Twitter)</p>
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<p>Earlier, he tweeted a message to his fans, writing: &quot;Happy Holi .. the colours of life be within you ever ..&quot;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">T 2730 - Happy Holi .. the colours of life be within you ever .. <a href="https://t.co/GzvQ8KqfRj">pic.twitter.com/GzvQ8KqfRj</a></p>
&mdash; Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SrBachchan/status/969298539460231168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Amitabh is known for posting candid pictures of Holi celebration on his social media profile every year but unlike every year this year was sober and minimal owing to Sridevi's death.

The festival of colours is here and Bollywood, unlike every year, is not gearing up for extravagant Holi parties owing to the sudden demise of veteran actress Sridevi on February 24 in Dubai. As she was laid to rest on February 28 amid the presence of the entire entertainment industry at her funeral, most Bollywood families have announced almost no parties or sober ones. Amitabh Bachchan on March 1, Holi eve took to Twitter to share some pictures of Holi celebrations at his residence in Mumbai and they are proof that Bollywood is in no mood for fun right now. In pictures, Bachchan and his family including wife Jaya, daughter Shweta, daughter-in-law Aishwarya and grand-daughter Aaradhya were seen in front of the burning of Holika, applying tilak on each other's foreheads and eating some Holi delicacies in front of the pyre. Interestingly, Abhishek Bachchan was missing from the pictures. See the photos here: Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan's residence. (Twitter) × Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan's residence. (Twitter) × Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan's residence. (Twitter) × Holi celebrations at Amitabh Bachchan's residence. (Twitter) × Earlier, he tweeted a message to his fans, writing: "Happy Holi .. the colours of life be within you ever .." T 2730 - Happy Holi .. the colours of life be within you ever .. pic.twitter.com/GzvQ8KqfRj — Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) March 1, 2018 ×

In pics: Remembering Sridevi, Amitabh Bachchan and family celebrate sober Holi

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