Colors Of Celebration Soar As Festivities Unite India; Security Ensures Peaceful Gatherings News24 –

Holi 2025 was celebrated across India on Friday, with great fervour, from applying ‘gulaal’ to each other, eating sweets, and rejoicing innumerably into the festive spirit. Public transport stayed suspended in morning hours in most major cities, whereas metro services started running from noon.

Delhi

In Delhi, over 25,000 security personnel were assigned, with police monitoring about 300 combat-sensitive zones through the means of CCTV cameras and drones. Combined teams of traffic and city police set up checkpoints on major tracks to alleviate drunk driving and other violations.

Sambal

Holi was celebrated peacefully in the area of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, that has been under tension since the riots related to the investigation into the Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid happened on November 24. The procession called chaupaai kaa juloos proceeded through the city, while prayers took place at the mosque at 2:30 PM. A three-layered security implementation was established: flag marches conducted by the rapid action force in the city.

Punjab And Haryana

Since Azad Maidan in Panaji hosted celebrations with locals and tourists joining hands for blending tradition with modernity, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma conveyed his greetings to the citizenry for an exuberant and prosperous Doul Utsav. Celebrations with water balloons, ‘gulaal,’ and sweets took place in Punjab and Haryana. The police in the two states and Chandigarh ensured safe celebrations. Amritsar’s Shri Durgiana Temple witnessed the convergence of many devotees, while the Sikh adherents participated in the Holla Mohalla festival at Anandpur Sahib.

Hyderabad

Children and youth in Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, celebrated Holi, with North Indian communities organizing ‘Holika Dahan’ on Thursday, commencing the festivities. This was followed by traditional Rajasthani folk dances called ‘Gair.’ Hyderabad police, however, prevented groups from moving vehicles and from throwing colors on those unwilling to take part, drawing the ire of BJP MLA Raja Singh. Meanwhile, in Andhra Pradesh, Holi wishes were conveyed by Governor S Abdul Nazeer, CM N Chandrababu Naidu as well as Ex-CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Message From PM And President

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Holi greetings on Thursday, hoping the festival would strengthen unity among citizens. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed wishes, emphasizing Holi’s role in fostering brotherhood and celebrating diversity.