Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 14 (ANI): Congress MP Imran Masood celebrated Holi at his residence in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday and said he was doing so to spread a message of love.

Speaking to ANI, Masood said, 'For the first time, there was an attempt to sow discord in the country through the colours of Holi. I am celebrating Holi to present a message of love. This is the culture of the country, and we celebrate all the festivals together.'

Earlier today, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav attended the Holi celebrations at the party office in Saifai, Uttar Pradesh. Other party leaders and fellow workers joined Akhilesh. A huge crowd had come to the party office take part in the celebrations, along with Akhilesh Yadav.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath joined the devotees at the Gorakhnath temple to celebrate Holi and sing the traditional 'phage' songs. Chief Minister Yogi also performed puja and aarti at the site of Holika Dahan within the temple premises, marking the beginning of the vibrant Holi festivities.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant also participated in Holi celebrations at Ravindra Bhavan in Sankhali. Visuals showed people dancing and enjoying the celebrations at Ravindra Bhavan.

Holi, the festival of colours, is being celebrated across the country and people are celebrating the occasion with harmony and joy. Meanwhile, Border Security Force (BSF) jawans posted at India's borders celebrated Holi and enjoyed the festival along with their duty.

The festival of Holi is being celebrated across the country, with people coming together to celebrate with colours, music, and traditional festivities.

From temples to streets, vibrant hues and joyous gatherings mark the onset of the festival, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.'

In Mathura and Vrindavan, famous for their grand Holi celebrations, devotees began the traditional rituals, including the famous Lathmar Holi.

Cities like Varanasi, Jaipur, and Delhi witnessed enthusiastic crowds smearing each other with colours and enjoying festive treats like gujiya and thandai. Authorities have deployed security personnel in major cities to ensure peaceful celebrations.

Holi, also known as the Spring Festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The celebration is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, where a bonfire is lit to mark the death of Holika, a symbol of evil and a special Puja to burn evil spirits is performed.

The festival of colours also follows Hindu mythology, where Demon King Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the God Bishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad. (ANI)