Varanasi hails Holi amid revelry

Varanasi, Mar 8 (ANI): With the vibrant spring festival of 'Holi' round the corner, people here offered prayers at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and usher the colourful event in a gala manner.

People took out a procession singing songs and chanting hymns of Lord Shiva on Saturday. Enroute, people in the procession sprayed colours and exchanged greetings.

"We celebrate the festival offering prayers to the divine family of Lord Shiva with great excitement every year," said Duryodhan Mishra, a devotee.

In Varanasi, the locals prepare for the 'Holi', soon after celebrating 'Mahashivaratri' that marks the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati and which is around a fortnight ahead of the festival of colours.

'Holi' would be celebrated on March 11 this year.

'Holi' is a festival of joy, mirth and buoyancy, and is celebrated when both man and nature cast off the winter gloom. 'Holi' heralds the arrival of spring, the season of hope and new beginnings and marks the rekindling of the spirit of life. By Girish Kumar Dubey ANI)