Colourful Frenzy Marks Holi Celebrations In City

Bhubaneswar: Holi festivities gripped Odisha capital with the revelry spilling onto the streets, and the myriad hues spreading cheer and strengthening bonds.

The city denizens with faces and clothes smeared with red, pink and blue could be seen wishing family and friends with Holi hugs and sweets. Several cultural and entertainment programmes are also being organised in various parts of the city to celebrate the festival of colours.

“Holi is one of the special occasions when people from different walks of life come together to spend a day with their friends and family. This time, I and my family members have opted for natural and herbal colours to avoid skin problems,” said Amrita Mohanty, a homemaker.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also wished the people of Odisha on the occasion of Holi. Yesterday, he had hinted at skipping the celebrations owing to cold. The Chief Minister had not celebrated Holi in 2016 due to drought situation in the state and again in 2014 as the previous year had seen 21 lives being lost to cyclone Phailin.

Sand artist of international fame Sudarsan Patnaik has created two sculptures, on Puri sea beach and Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, wishing people on Holi.

Meanwhile, the commissionerate police is taking steps to prevent any untoward incidents during Holi celebrations. Fire personnel and ODRAF teams have also deployed at different ghats to prevent drowning incidents.

“As many as 10 platoons of police force have been deployed to combat anti-social elements and prevent drunken brawls. Mobile patrolling teams along with Quick Action Teams have been constituted to check incidents of eve-teasing during the festivity,” a senior police officer said.