Preparations for Holi begin in Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Mar 7 (ANI): The preparations for the popular Hindu spring festival of colours 'Holi' have started in an auspicious manner in the temple city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

As per the Hindu traditions, people in Ayodhya celebrate the annual festival of colours in the month of 'Phalgun' (usually February-March) as per the Hindu 'Panchang' (almanac) to propagate social amity.

At the local Hanuman Gadi temple, priests after special worship of Lord Hanuman's deity, take out a procession through the streets of the town and visit various other temples in the neighbourhood.

Enroute, people in the procession spray colours and exchange Holi greetings with others.

"The locals and eminent priests gather and all of them together carry out a procession dedicated to Lord Hanuman and play 'Holi' with each other," observed Mahant Shri Gyandas, a priest, Hanuman Gadi Temple.

As per Hindu almanac, Holi falls on March 11 this year.

Holi is said to be a festival of joy, mirth and buoyancy, which is celebrated to herald the spring season when nature, casting off the winter gloom, looks at its best. By Amit Kumar (ANI)