Holi is indeed the true symbol of India's Unity in Diversity as it binds all with love and brotherhood across all lines of society like none else.
The fervour of this festival appeals equal participation and evokes joy as much as among the haves as the have-nots.
Despite some fleeting restrictions, Odisha on Saturday dipped in the gaiety of the festival of colours with enthusiasm after two seasons of sombre celebrations in the wake of Covid pandemic.
And people from all sections of society came together to celebrate the festive occasion.
Men in khaki who like many other professionals put their duty first before celebrations are always considered less privileged. However, this time, the police in Bhubaneswar were also spotted taking out some time from their duty hours to enjoy the festival of hues.
“While all are enjoying festivals, policemen are doing their duties. Their prime objective is to ensure festivals like Holi and Diwali pass off peacefully. This year, people enjoyed the festival as there is relaxation in the Covid-19 restrictions to some extent,” said Twin City police commissioner Soumendra Priyadarshi.
Some other police officers who were on duty said they enjoyed the joy of festivals while discharging their duties.
There are many other even lesser fortunate, for example, the inmates of Bonajodi Anandashram in Keonjhar district who are neglected and forgotten. But the occasion of Holi gives them a time to smear the colours of love on each other and forget all pain of rejection by their near and dear ones.
Similar is the story of physically and mentally challenged students of Chetana College of Special Education Bhubaneswar. The divyangs of the institute also relished the chance to celebrate the festival of colours after a long gap of two years.
People across the State enjoyed the festival of colours, no holds barred, thanks to Covid-19 restrictions being relaxed to some extent.
Amidst election frenzy, political leaders were seen celebrating Holi festival with their peers, workers and common people.