The nation celebrated Holi on Wednesday with leaders across India extending greetings and highlighting the festival’s message of joy, unity, and cultural heritage. President Droupadi Murmu wished citizens well on X, noting that Holi “spreads seeds of optimism and love” and acts as a bridge consolidating the unity and brotherhood of India. She expressed hope that the festival would inspire a spirit of service toward building a more developed nation.

Holi, traditionally marking the arrival of spring and the harvest season, is also celebrated as a symbolic victory of good over evil. This year’s festivities began on Tuesday evening with Holika Dahan, the ritual lighting of bonfires, and continued on Wednesday with vibrant celebrations across the country.

From Delhi’s streets to Mathura’s temples, communities celebrated with ‘gulal’ and music, observing the festival in accordance with regional traditions. In many regions, the “Festival of Colours” is being celebrated over two days, reflecting local customs and timings.

The celebrations across India served as a reminder of Holi’s enduring cultural importance, bringing together citizens in a display of joy, harmony, and collective heritage, while leaders used the occasion to inspire optimism, unity, and national pride.