PM Modi avoids Holi celebrations amid COVID-19, extends wishes

New Delhi: In the wake of novel coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chose not to participate in Holi events as precautionary measures suggested by experts.

The Prime Minister, however, greeted people on the occasion as the nation celebrates Holi, the festival of colours.

In a tweet in Hindi, the Prime Minister said: "Heartiest greetings to all of you as you celebrate this festival of colour, joy and happiness. I hope this festival brings a lot of happiness to people across the country."

रंग, उमंग और आनंद के त्योहार होली की आप सभी को बहुत-बहुत बधाई। यह पर्व सभी देशवासियों के जीवन में खुशियों लेकर आए। pic.twitter.com/xfrfdNaduX

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 10, 2020

As per his declaration made last week, Modi chose not to participate in any Holi events this year as experts had advised against "mass gatherings to avoid coronavirus spread".

"Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme," PM Modi had tweeted.

Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind extended his greetings to the people on the occasion and wished that may the festival bring peace, joy and prosperity to everyone's life.

"Wishing everyone a Happy Holi! The festival of colours, Holi is a celebration of spring and fraternity in our society. May it bring peace, joy and prosperity to everyone's life," the President tweeted.

Wishing everyone a #HappyHoli! The festival of colours, Holi is a celebration of spring and fraternity in our society. May it bring peace, joy and prosperity to everyone’s life.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) March 10, 2020

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also extend his "warm greetings and good wishes to the people".

"This Holi, let us strive to strengthen the bonds of friendship and amity that hold our society together. Let this festival break the barriers that divide us and unite us in the quest for shared prosperity, peace, progress, harmony and joy," Naidu tweeted.

This Holi, let us strive to strengthen the bonds of friendship and amity that hold our society together. Let this festival break the barriers that divide us and unite us in the quest for shared prosperity, peace, progress, harmony and joy.#Holi

— Vice President of India (@VPSecretariat) March 10, 2020

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also greeted people on the occasion of Holi.

प्रेम, सद्भावना, सौहार्द एवं सामाजिक समरसता का त्योहार, होली पर सभी देशवासियों को शुभकामनाएँ।

रंगों का यह पावन उत्सव सभी के जीवन में नयी ऊर्जा, उमंग एवं ख़ुशियाँ लाए। #होली_की_हार्दिक_शुभकामनाएं#HappyHolipic.twitter.com/nx0JY0bOms

— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 10, 2020

BJP Vice President Baijayanta Jay Panda also extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Holi.

"Happy Holi everyone. Wishing you all a joyful, natural & safe festival of colours. My family & I are celebrating privately. I request all to follow government public health guidelines to avoid spread of Coronavirus," tweeted Panda

#HappyHoli everyone. Wishing you all a joyful, natural & safe festival of colours.

My family & I are celebrating privately. I request all to follow government public health guidelines to avoid spread of #Coronavirus ?? pic.twitter.com/wcccfYkOBU

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) March 10, 2020

(IANS)