Holi, the festival of colors, was celebrated across India with great enthusiasm and joy on Friday. People smeared each other with gulal and exchanged warm wishes, marking the arrival of spring with vibrant festivities.
In several major cities, public transportation, including metro services, remained suspended in the morning and resumed in the afternoon. This year, Holi coincided with the second Friday prayer of Ramadan, leading to heightened security measures in various states to ensure a peaceful atmosphere.
As per agency report, in Delhi, more than 25,000 security personnel were deployed to maintain law and order. Officials stated that around 300 sensitive areas were monitored through CCTV cameras and drones. Similar security arrangements were seen in other parts of the country.
In Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district, Holi was celebrated with traditional fervor, and the customary ‘Chaupai Ka Juloos’ procession took place. Given past communal tensions, stringent security measures were enforced, and the city was divided into 29 surveillance sectors for drone monitoring. The police and district administration had made three-tier security arrangements to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his Holi greetings on Thursday, expressing hope that the festival would strengthen the unity among Indians. President Droupadi Murmu also conveyed her wishes, highlighting the cultural significance of the festival. Various political leaders across the country shared their Holi greetings, emphasizing harmony and togetherness.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, addressing a traditional Narasimha procession in Gorakhpur, underscored the unparalleled richness of festivals in Sanatan Dharma. He stated that India progresses through its festivals, which serve as the soul of faith. Stressing unity, he remarked that Holi conveys the message that "India will remain united and indivisible."
Referring to the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, he noted how 660 million devotees gathered at the confluence of the holy rivers for the grand event, illustrating the spiritual and cultural strength of the nation. In his address and later on social media, he described Holi as a festival of equality, inclusivity, and the victory of truth over falsehood.
In West Bengal, people celebrated the festival as Dol Jatra, marked by joyous processions and cultural performances. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee prayed for stronger bonds among citizens and quoted Rabindranath Tagore to emphasize harmony. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari and other BJP leaders also extended their greetings.
In Goa, both locals and tourists, including foreign visitors, participated in Holi festivities with great enthusiasm. Panaji’s Azad Maidan was a focal point of the celebrations, with saffron-colored decorations dominating the scene.
Assam’s Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended Holi and Dol Utsav wishes to the people. Sarma expressed hope that the festival would bring prosperity and joy to everyone’s lives.
In Punjab and Haryana, Holi celebrations took place with enthusiasm, with large gatherings at Anandpur Sahib for the annual Hola Mohalla festival. Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, and Chief Ministers Bhagwant Mann and Nayab Singh Saini conveyed their greetings.
In Telangana, cities like Hyderabad witnessed widespread celebrations, particularly among youth and children. North Indian communities observed Holika Dahan on Thursday night, following traditional rituals. Special cultural performances, including the Rajasthani Gair dance, added vibrancy to the festivities.
However, Hyderabad police imposed certain restrictions to prevent rowdy behavior, such as banning group vehicle rallies and unauthorized color-throwing. BJP MLA Raja Singh criticized these restrictions, calling them unnecessary.
Andhra Pradesh’s Governor S. Abdul Nazir and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, extended their Holi wishes to the people.
Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti alleged that certain extremist elements had turned Holi into an unsettling occasion for minorities, blaming the tacit support of those in power.
The festival also found its way into pop culture, with the release of a special edition of the iconic comic series The World of Betty and Veronica Digest #38. The new 10-page storyline features Archie and his friends learning about Holi. Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of Archie Comics Publications, stated that the inclusion of Holi in the comic was inspired by the beauty and cultural richness of India.
With nationwide celebrations taking place amid heightened security, Holi 2025 was marked by joy, unity, and traditional fervor.
