Taking a break from politics in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, political leaders cutting across party lines on Monday joined the nation in celebrating Holi, the festival of colours.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi celebrated Holi at her residence where she greeted party cadres with colours and sweets. Senior BJP leader L K Advani, party president Rajnath Singh and spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi celebrated the festival with party workers and their family members.
Singh, surrounded by party workers, was seen beating drums amidst the festivities. “I greet everybody on the auspicious festival of Holi,” he said. Scores of BJP activists and well-wishers thronged Advani’s residence to greet him, though the media was not allowed inside this year.
BJP spokesperson Naqvi celebrated the festival of colours along with his family members at his residence.
“My greetings to the people of the country on Holi. May this festival bring peace and prosperity. I pray that the people’s resolve to bring in good governance in the country comes true,” he said.
The festival is celebrated to commemorate the Hindu mythological tale of Prahlada emerging unscathed from flames even after being drawn into the fire by demoness Holika. The Hindu month of ‘Phalgun’ ended on Sunday with ‘Holika Dahan’ and ‘Chaitra’ started on Monday.
Leaders of other political parties also joined in the Holi celebrations in the capital. President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh greeted the people on the occasion of Holi, saying the festival provided an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity and friendship.
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