Odisha on Tuesday wore a vibrant look as people across the state celebrated the festival of colours with enthusiasm and fervour. Holi, the festival of victory of good over evil, and unity in diversity bound all the people with love and brotherhood across all lines of society.
People across the state bathed in the colours of spring as they smeared bright colours on friends and family irrespective of their caste, creed, age, and faith. However, no Holi celebration can be imagined without indulging in a splendid array of delectable dishes.
Sweets, fruits and crispy namkeens added to the rich culinary delight of the joyful celebration. The mouth-watering dishes bring a unique sweetness and liveliness to the joyous festivities. Political parties also came together to celebrate Holi before kick-starting the poll campaign of their respective parties ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.
“The Festival of colours is always special. Even as there is an atmosphere of election, we try to avoid politics during Holi. People from all political parties keep aside their political opinions and come together to soak in the Holi festivities,” a Cuttack local said.
A Bhubaneswar local said, “The atmosphere is filled with brotherhood, love and affection. Hope our state, our country and every citizen’s life be filled with colour, love and sweetness.”
Politicians also celebrated Holi with their party workers and wished each other ahead of the upcoming elections. BJP National Vice President, Baijayant Panda extended greetings on the auspicious occasion of Holi.
Taking to his X handle, Panda in his mother tongue Odia wrote, “Heartiest wishes and congratulations to you and your loved ones on the holy occasion of Holi, the festival of joy, happiness and colours. May this festival of colours fill everyone's life with happiness, peace and prosperity by God's immense grace.”
“This is an opportunity to get together, and interact with all the party workers,” said Manmohan Samal.
Similarly, senior BJP leader Pratap Sarangi said, “Everyone is super happy. There is only brotherhood and unity in the air. We have come together to celebrate the festival of colours and send a message of love to everyone.”
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik also extended warm greetings on Holi and wrote, "My heartiest wishes and congratulations to all on the occasion of the holy Holi, the festival of colours and brotherhood. May everyone's life be filled with happiness and peace with the blessings of Radha Gobind. #HappyHoli."