As the entire nation immerses itself in the joyous celebrations of Holi, various cities across Uttar Pradesh are already experiencing the vibrant spirit of the festival. From Sambhal to Aligarh, people are celebrating with enthusiasm, and the colors of Holi are spreading everywhere. In Varanasi, the city of Baba Vishwanath, the festive fervor is equally evident. In Sambhal, after 46 years, Holi was celebrated at the Kartiki temple, where locals threw gulal and sang Holi songs. To ensure safety during the celebrations, the police have made stringent security arrangements. The administration has also covered ten mosques on the Holi procession route with tarpaulins to prevent any untoward incidents. Police officers are conducting flag marches, and surveillance is heightened with CCTV and drones. The colorful celebrations extend across six cities in UP, including Ayodhya, Vrindavan, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Mathura, where Holi’s colors are in full bloom. The festivities started early, with people playing Holi in streets, alleys, and squares. While the streets are filled with vibrant colors, political discussions surrounding the festival are also heating up. UP Cabinet Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad criticized the opposition, and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya assured that Holi and Namaz will be celebrated peacefully, just as successful events like the Kumbh Mela were.
