Colorful Countdown: Festive Spirit Soars as Holi Approaches

As Holi approaches, markets are bustling with shoppers eager to celebrate the vibrant festival. In Uttar Pradesh, preparations are in full swing, with Lathmar Holi festivities marking the start of celebrations. The atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and color as participants embrace the traditional festivities.

With only three days remaining until the vibrant festival of Holi, shoppers across the nation are thronging the markets to stock up on colors and pichkaris. Stalls laden with 'gulal' and 'abeer', along with traditional water guns, are seeing brisk business.

Preparations extend to homes, now adorned with colorful decorations, while kitchens bustle with the making of festive sweets like gujiyas. Similar scenes can be witnessed in Ayodhya's bustling marketplaces, as shoppers seek festival essentials.

In Varanasi, devotees participated enthusiastically in the Rangbhari Ekadashi at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, heralding the start of Holi festivities. Meanwhile, Mathura's week-long celebration kicked off with Nandagaon's traditional 'Lathmar' Holi, capturing the essence of Lord Krishna's playful mythology.

Lathmar Holi in Nandagaon is a unique tradition rooted in the mythological tales of Krishna and Radha, which involves a mock battle between the women of Barsana and men of Nandagaon. The temple premises were alive with music, chants, and the iconic 'Radhe Radhe' as visitors from near and far gathered to witness the joyous event.

The vibrant festivities continue in Barsana with a role-reversal celebration. The grand finale of Holi in Mathura, the revered birthplace of Lord Krishna, will feature cultural performances, processions, and temple rituals.

Across regions, authorities ensure a peaceful Holi with heightened security and crowd management strategies. In Sambhal, Rangbhari Ekadashi Holi was celebrated under tight security, marking a seamless commencement of the colorful festival. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)