Lalu celebrats Holi in Bihar, Nitish stays away

Patna, Mar 22 (UNI) Though Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided to stay away from this year's Holi celebrations on personal grounds, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad along with his family participated in the revelry today.

The Chief Minister through an official release two days ago announced his decision not to participate in the Holi because of the death of his wife in May last year and requested the people not to meet him with colours at his residence.

He, however, greeted the people of the state on the festive occasion.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad on the other hand came to his house here from New Delhi and took part in the Holi celebrations since morning with many of his family members, followers and party supporters in his own unique fashion.

However, interestingly, his previous year's ''Kapra Phad Holi'' (tearing of clothes) celebration was well replaced with Mr Prasad singing traditional Holi songs in typical Bhojpuri dialect.

Elsewhere in Bihar, Holi was celebrated with enthusiasm, traditional gaiety and religious fervour.

The government had made elaborate security arrangements across the state and directed the security personnel to keep strict vigil on anti-social elements.

Barring reports three incidents of violence, peaceful celebration of Holi was reported from all the 38 districts, police said.

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