India celebrates colourful festival Holi

NEW DELHI: Holi, the festival of colours, is being celebrated across the country with fervour and gaiety today. President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh have all greeted the nation on this auspicious occasion. President Patil in her message said Holi is a festival of colours that heralds joy, hope and fulfi lment in lives of people. Vice President Ansari in his message said this festival marks the onset of spring and is celebrated with joyous gaiety. “I extend my hearty greetings and good wishes to the citizens of our country on the auspicious occasion of Holi, the festival of colours. This Festival marks the onset of spring and is celebrated with joyous gaiety,” said Vice President Ansari. “May this colourful Festival bring peace and happiness and promote national integration,” he added. The Prime Minister in his message said the ‘’festival of colours’’ is a part of our rich and diverse cultural heritage. “The festival is associated with the celebration of brotherhood and harmony. Let the spontaneity and liveliness of this spring festival yet again affi rm the togetherness of our multicultural nation,” Dr. Singh added.