The spirit of Holi was in full swing across Punjab, and even the capital Chandigarh on Friday, as communities came together to celebrate the festival of colors with exuberance and unity.
In a display of vibrant festivities, children gleefully tossed water-filled balloons, while adults engaged in friendly banter by smearing gulal on each other’s faces. The streets turned into a living canvas as revellers embraced the day with music, dance, and a hearty exchange of sweets among family and friends.
Authorities in the region took extensive measures to ensure that the celebrations were both safe and joyful. Police forces across Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh had deployed teams to manage traffic and curb any instances of hooliganism. Their presence was particularly noticeable on busy roads where speeding and reckless driving could have marred the festivities.
Public safety was a top priority as residents celebrated the occasion with gusto. The well-coordinated efforts of the local police helped maintain order, allowing everyone to focus on the festive cheer. At popular cultural sites, such as the Durgiana Temple in Amritsar, crowds surged as devotees flocked to mark the occasion. Meanwhile, Sikh devotees enjoyed a grand display of cultural heritage during the Holla Mohalla festival at Anandpur Sahib in Punjab.
The festival also provided a platform for local leaders to share messages of goodwill. Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and his Haryana counterpart Nayab Singh Saini extended heartfelt greetings to citizens. “Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on the auspicious festival of colours, Holi. This festival full of joy and enthusiasm gives the message of love, unity and harmony,” Kataria remarked, emphasizing the deep cultural roots and symbolic significance of the day.
Punjab Chief Minister Mann also shared his festive wishes on social media, hoping that the day would fill lives with happiness and mutual love. In a gesture of reverence, he and his wife Gurpreet Kaur visited the historic Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib to offer prayers.
As the day unfolded, the festive energy resonated throughout the region—a reminder of the power of tradition to bring communities together in a celebration of life, love, and unity.
