Huge crowds gather in spite of rains at 'Holika Dahan'

New Delhi, Mar 15: The rains in the capital and the cool breeze accompanying it failed to dampen the festive spirit of Delhiites who participated in large numbers at the traditional 'Holika Dahan'.

The "continuously tricking" rain since last morning notwithstanding, several areas in the capital saw a huge gathering of people at the bonfires to mark the Holika Dahan yesterday which marks the beginning of the two-day 'Festival of colours'.

Several bonfires lit between 1830 hrs and 1930 hrs, the time fixed for the Holika dahan (religious bonfire) this year, with people venturing out, despite the 'chilly weather', to exchange Holi greetings with their friends and neighbours.

The bonfire was accompanied by a reciting of chants and prayers. Thereafter, people greeted each other with sweets and 'thandai' traditional cold drink made with khus khus and dry fruits) and meared gulal on each other's foreheads.

Like every year, the markets also wore a festive look with Balloons sellers reporting brisk sales like every year despite there eing a strong possibility of ainfall on Holi this year.

UNI