India splashed with colours on Holi

New Delhi, Mar 22 (UNI) Holi, the festival of colours symbolising triumph of good over evil, is being celebrated across India today with traditional gaiety and fervour.

The festival also celebrates the advent of spring in the Hindu culture.

In the national capital, people celebrated Holi with much enthusiasm as they applied 'gulal' and splashed each other with coloured water.

People were also seen throwing water balloons on each other.

Holi revellers took comfortable positions on balconies and rooftops to throw coloured water on family members, friends and strangers as well with 'pitchkaris' and buckets.

At many places, people were seen dancing to tunes of drums.

Delhi Police had made elaborate security arrangements for the festival. Barricades had been erected at many places across the capital for random checking.

Policemen were also seen patrolling in many areas in vans and motorcycles.

President Pratibha Patil and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the nation on Holi.

''On the joyous occasion of Holi, the festival of colours, I convey my greetings to the world. The festival of Holi brings joy and happiness, which imbibes the spirit of friendship among people of all faiths,'' Ms Patil said in her message.

The President said everyone should ensure that the less advantaged in the society do not remain untouched by the spirit of celebration.

In his message, the Prime Minister said the festival of Holi symbolises different shades of life and inspires all to rejoice in the glory of nature in all its varied colours.

''May the festival bring gaiety, happiness, health and prosperity to all,'' he added.

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