Jammu, Mar 04: Colours, greetings and sweets distribution marked the Holi celebrations in Jammu on Wednesday.
From early morning, people thronged streets and neighbourhoods, smearing each other with colours, exchanging greetings and distributing sweets.
Children were seen splashing colour balloons while youth danced to popular tunes, adding vibrancy to the celebrations. People from all walks of life participated in the festivities.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended their warm greetings to the people on the occasion. Leaders conveyed their best wishes for happiness, prosperity and communal harmony.
Moreover, celebrations were also organized at unit headquarters of security forces including Army, CRPF, ITPB, BSF, and J&K Police stationed in Jammu division. Officers and jawans exchanged greetings and marked the festival in a traditional manner within the camp premises and celebrated Holi with zeal.
In Rajouri, Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana celebrated Holi with BJP party workers and local residents. He visited villages including Pangrian, Manjakote and Barote, interacting with villagers and extending festive greetings. For the first time, the annual Bhairav Yatra was organised here with vibrant cultural performances, adding a new cultural dimension to the traditional festivities. The celebrations featured a colourful tableaux (Jhanki) depicting Ashta Bhairav, coupled with an engaging street play (Nukkad Natak), highlighting the significance and heritage of the yatra. The atmosphere was further enlivened by traditional folk performances featuring Dhol and Shehnai, which resonated with the festive spirit of the occasion coinciding with Holi.
DC Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma was chief Guest during the celebrations.
In Kishtwar, Holi was celebrated with enthusiasm as locals joined security personnel in the festivities. MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar participated in the celebrations alongside CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel, conveying greetings to the people and lauding the spirit of unity displayed on the occasion.
Poonch district witnessed vibrant celebrations, with the main programme organised at Shri Geeta Bhawan under the aegis of Sanatan Dharam Sabha. A religious procession passed through key areas of the town, drawing participation from members of different communities. Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma conveyed greetings and appreciated the peaceful conduct of celebrations.
In Udhampur, a mega Holi procession was organised by Beopar Mandal in collaboration with the district administration. The procession commenced from Radha Krishan Temple, Adarsh Colony, and moved through the main markets of the city, spreading the message of communal harmony.
Adequate security arrangements were put in place, with DySP Headquarters Prehlad Sharma stating that all necessary measures were put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations. Vice-President of Beopar Mandal Rahul Magotra expressed gratitude for the cooperation of traders and citizens.
Educational institutions including University of Jammu and institutes at district headquarters across the region also organised cultural programmes and colour-themed events, with students and officials participating in celebrations marked by music, dance and distribution of sweets—(KNO)
