Holi celebrated in Bihar

Patna, Mar 4 (UNI) 'Holi', the festival of colours, was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety throughout Bihar today as people poured colours and exchanged greetings on the occasion.

Since early morning, children were out on streets, spraying colours on their friends and pedestrians.

'Pichkaris' appearing as replicas of cell phones, cars, guns, cameras, and Spiderman were used during the celebrations but 'Lalu Pichkaris','Rabri Pichkaris' and 'Krrish Pichkaris' were the most sought after items for the Holi revellers.

In small groups, the holi revellers were seen spraying colours and smearing the faces of their friends and even passers-by while singing the traditional songs popularly known as 'Phagua'. The'songs reverberated the high rise buildings in cities as audio cassettes were played in almost every street and lane.

''Hasya Kavi Sammelans'' were organised at several places by various organisations where poets recited their creations especially composed for the occasion.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar celebrated Holi at his official residence where he greeted the visitors with colours and sweets.

Several eminent political personalities, besides his cabinet colleagues, called on the Chief Minister to greet him on the occasion.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad celebrated the festival in his traditional style as he smeared gulal on visitors amid chanting of 'Phaguas' by hordes of Bhojpuri singers, especially called in for the occasion. Almost all the top RJD leaders, including national spokesman of the party Shyam Rajak and general secretary Ram Kripal Yadav, besides several party MLAs and MLCs called on Mr Prasad.

State Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah said all district police superintendents had been asked to make fool-proof security arrangements in sensitive areas to foil anti-social's bid of creating disturbances.

UNI