Holi celebrated in J&K, Bengal, AP; preparation on in other states

New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) Holi was celebrated in various parts of the country today even as preparations were on to awash the atmosphere with colours in many states where the festival will be marked tomorrow.

Security forces joined the youths and others in pouring colour and greeting each other on the occasion in Jammu and Kashmir. The festivities passed without any untoward incident.

In one of those rare days no militancy-related incident was reported from anywhere in the state.

The festival was also celebrated in West Bengal with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.

The northeastern state of Meghalaya also celebrated the festival with pomp and gaiety. People from all walks of life joined the celebrations smearing each others face with 'gulal', and greeting friends.

Though section 144 CrPC was in force in East Khasi Hills, no untoward incident was reported and the celebrations passed off peacefully.

Holi was also celebrated with gaiety in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad.

The festival mood was also seen at Congress, BJP and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) offices where the party leaders and activists celebrated it with colours and distributed sweets greeting each other.

Tight security arrangements have been put in place in Madhya Pradesh on the eve of the festival of colours and more than 2,000 police personnel are stationed in the state capital alone.

Besides, Holika Dahan (ritual lighting of bonfires) at more than 700 locations, poetry conventions and other programmes are scheduled here today. People flocked to markets for buying colour and sweets.

''Four companies of the Special Armed Force, one each of the Rapid Action Force and Special Task Force have also been deployed,'' said Superintendent of Police Anant Kumar Singh.

Haryana Governor A R Kidwai and Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda have greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Holi.

In a message issued here on the eve of Holi, Dr Kidwai said such festivals promoted mutual understanding and strengthened the cultural fabric of the country. The Chief Minister also urged the people to rise above parochial differences of caste and creed to celebrate the festival of colours.

Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen (Retd) S F Rodrigues and Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal also extended greetings to the people on the twin occasion of Holi and Holla Mohalla.

In separate messages they urged the people to celebrate the twin festivals in spirit of love and harmony and forgetting all distinctions of caste, creed and religion.

Bihar Governor R S Gavai and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar greeted the people on the occasion saying the festival strengthens inter- religious harmony and promotes universal brotherhood.

UNI