Varanasi leaves blast behind for unrivalled Holi

Varanasi, Mar 15 (UNI) Leaving behind the tragic events of March 7 and the early morning chill, the abode of Shiva -- Kashi (Varanasi) -- plunged into the pool of seamless colours on the festival of Holi today.

The entire holy city wore a colourful look with residents and foreign tourists alike, imbued with the festive spirit.

The festive fervour was further elevated by Bhojpuri songs being played by the blaring loudspeakers and the intoxication of 'Bhang', for those who preferred it.

''Celebrating the festival of colours on full swing was essential for defeating the designs of the terrorists, they would have battle against the holy city, had the Banarsis skipped the festive color due to the blast,'' said Reich, a US tourist, who especially came to Varanasi from New Delhi to relish Holi on the Ganga Ghats.

The imposing riverfront said a Holi being celebrated including sadhus, tourists, local residents and poets. Poems and Bhojpuri songs by local artists soared high as the festive spirits of the Banarasis.

''Holi is the festival of every Banarasi and not that of Hindus alone,'' said Jameel, who has been a part of riverfront Holi for the last 25 years.

Meanwhile reports of colourful Holi celebrations were also received from other parts of Uttar Pradesh including Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Hardoi, Mahoba, Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar.

The internationally-famous ''Lathamar Holi'' fascinated one and all in Krishna's birth place Mathura, with devotees using only natural colurs across the religious city.

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