Images of security forces smearing themselves in colored powder have gone viral as South Asia celebrates the Hindu festival of color

Millions of people in India and other South Asian countries celebrated Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, on Friday by smearing each other with brightly colored powder. The festival is a national holiday in India, marking the end of winter and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The nation's Border Security Force (BSF) personnel stationed at the India-Pakistan border in Jaisalmer were filmed celebrating Holi with Gulal (vibrant colors). On the eastern border, BSF troops deployed at India-Bangladesh border, too, celebrated the festival.

Rooted in Hindu mythology, Holi symbolizes renewal and the legendary love between the deity Krishna and his consort Radha, marking a time of joy and rejuvenation. Apart from applying colours and dancing, food and beverages are an integral part of the Holi celebrations. In various regions of India, street vendors offered thandai, a refreshing milk-based drink infused with cardamom and dried fruits, as well as gujia, a crispy, deep-fried pastry filled with a sweet mixture of milk solids, nuts, and dried fruits.

Another Holi tradition is the consumption of bhang, a cannabis-infused drink mixed with milk or water. Deeply linked to Hinduism, especially to Lord Shiva, bhang is also consumed during other regional religious festivals.

Various embassies in New Delhi joined the celebrations, highlighting Holi's universal appeal. The Russian envoy to India extended Holi greetings in Hindi, reflecting the enduring friendship and mutual respect shared by India and Russia.

An X user shared a 1956 photograph of India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, celebrating Holi with Anastas Mikoyan, former Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the erstwhile Soviet Union, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Delhi.

In another viral video, widows in Vrindavan - a sacred town closely associated with the life and teachings of Hindu God Krishna - defied traditional norms by actively participating in Holi celebrations, embracing the vibrant colors and festivities once off-limits to them.

Holi celebrations also took place at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), where students from diverse backgrounds joined in, according to PTI. This year, Holi coincided with the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, fostering a sense of unity between communities.

Earlier in the day, President Droupadi Murmu, in a post on X, described Holi as a celebration of unity, love, and harmony, urging the nation to spread the colors of progress and prosperity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Holi message, expressed hope that the festival, would "infuse new enthusiasm and energy" in people's lives and "deepen the colors of unity" among citizens.

(RT.com)