UP observes Barawafat, Navroz peacefully; set for Holi tomorrow

Lucknow, Mar 21 (UNI) The triple festivals of Chhoti Holi, Barawafat and Navroz were peacefully observed in Uttar Pradesh today.

It was Chhoti Holi for Hindus, the Prophet's birthday for Muslims and Navroz for Iranis and Parsis.

Tonight, Holika (bonfire) would be lit amid holy chants and mantras, which would be followed by main Holi tomorrow.

The Muslims took out a holy procession to commemorate the birth anniversary of Prophtet Mohammed.

The Christian brethren also observed the day as Good Friday.

Security had been hightened at all the communally sensitive districts of the state like Aligarh, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Moradabad, Mau, Azamgarh and Gorakhpur.

PAC and Rapid Action Force in strength had been deployed at these communally sensitive districts.

Besides, security has been beefed up at all railway stations, trains and bus terminals to prevent any untoward incident during the festive season.

UNI JAS/ATI KD BD1938