Gaiety marks Holi celebrations

NEW DELHI, MARCH 20. It was a riot of colours across the country as jubilant revellers celebrated the millennium's first Holi today daubing `gulals' (powdered colour), exchanging greetings and sweets and visiting friends.

The day began with groups of people, particularly youth and children, applying `gulal' and splashing colours on friends, family and passers-by.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, participated along with his family members in a colourful Holi bash at his residence, where revellers danced to the beat of drums. The Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha and film star, Mr. Shatrughan Sinha, were among scores of visitors who greeted Mr. Vajpayee on the occasion.

Even as people woke up to a colourful morning to celebrate the grand festival, unprecedented security cover had taken over the national capital in view of the U.S. President, Mr. Bill Clinton's five-day State visit. But, the festive spirit was hardly dampened by restrictions in movement. Young boys went around in groups with `gulal' and `pichkaris' ( water-colour pistols) greeting friends and strangers alike, shouting `Holi Hai' and singing Bollywood songs.

Reluctant passers-by ran for cover as children sprinkled water on them from rooftops and other `strategic' locations along lanes. The festival was celebrated with gaiety in most of the States, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Haryana.

In Uttar Pradesh, Muslims participated in the celebrations and exchanged warm greetings with their Hindu brethren, a Lucknow report said.

- PTI

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