India in Holi mood, Holika goes up in flames

People in several parts of the country started Holi festivities with Holika Dahan ritual on Thursday. People practise the traditional rituals of Holika Dahan a night before Holi in some parts of India. On the day of Holika Dahan, people light bonfires to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. The day is associated with the story of Lord Vishnu who saved his devotee Prahlad from demon King Hiranyakashipu and burnt the sister of Hiranyakashipu, Holika. Vaishnavites believe that Lord Krishna and Radha played Holi on this occasion and the festival is also marked as the festival of love. Holi is essentially the festival of colours, which signifies the victory of good over evil, but it is celebrated across the country in varied ways.Holi gives the message of equality and fraternity as all sections of society irrespective of caste, creed, colour, age, and sex celebrate it with great enthusiasm. Holi, the festival of colours will be celebrated throughout the country on Friday.
President Ram Nath Kovind has extended his greetings to the people on the eve of Holi. In his message, the President said Holi - the festival of colours -  marks the onset of the spring season, bringing joy and zeal in people's lives. Last year, the festival was celebrated in restricted manner because eo the outbreak of COVID-19 in country.