Riot of colours in AP

Hyderbad, Mar 15 (UNI) Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad today.

People of all age groups participated in the celebrations marked by sprinkling of colours, distribution of sweets and colour powder.

Relatives and friends exchanged greetings by smearing 'gulal' as markets wore a festive look with specially erected stalls selling colours, waterguns and sweets.

In Rajahmundry, the festival was celebrated with religious fervour and enthusiasm by the young and the old alike. Reports of festivities had come in from East Godavari district also Meanwhile, another report said arch rivals Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Congress MLAs were seen celebrating Holi together.

Senior TDP MLAs E Dayakar Rao, P Keshav and others went to Telugu Desam Party Supremo N Chandrababu Naidu's house and smeared colours on him.

Later, they went to Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Suresh Reddy's residence and applied colour to him. Mr Reddy wished them on the occasion.

However, BJP leaders stayed away from celebrations as a mark of respect to Varanasi blast victims.

UNI AP/ASJ/BAK OM BS2202