Jammu, Mar 25: Boisterous display of festivity amid splash of vibrant hues marked the celebrations of Holi- the festival of colours, across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. In Kashmir, the soldiers of Border Security Force (BSF), army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), besides the localities of minority Kashmiri Pandits and Jammu employees working in Kashmir, mainly revelled in vibrant festivities of Holi.
In Jammu, festive ambience pervaded the city markets, localities and houses as people, irrespective of age and gender, could be seen applying colours to each other; revelling with their families and friends; dancing and savouring special delicacies.
Festival, which marks the victory of good over evil, is celebrated by the members of Hindu and Sikh communities with equal zest. The members of other communities did partake in celebrations, while exchanging greetings with their friends, applying “Gulal” and immersing themselves in animated spirits – intrinsic to the festival.
Various market associations in Jammu city had made special arrangements for celebrations where even the passers-by joined and savoured colourful moments. Groups of youth – fully-drenched in colours- throughout the day criss-crossed localities to be with their friends to enjoy to the hilt.
However, there were many, who missed out festivities, due to examination season.
Markets, this festive season, remained abuzz with the youngsters looking for designer water-guns (pichkaris); colour-refill guns; colour cylinders and colour spray bottles. Being the electoral season, as per the traders, the masks of politicians too were much in demand in Jammu.
As far as colours were concerned, herbal products were preferred by the families and young shoppers alike.
Jammu civil and police administration had made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any unpleasant happening which could mar festive spirits. Police, in particular, had special arrangements in place for the youth, who in the garb of festival, resort to hooliganism.
At many places, special langars or stalls were arranged in spirit with the festival. Kaal Bhairav temple in old Jammu city, as a part of its annual ritual, had made arrangements for special Holi celebrations.
Leaders and workers of some political parties, including BJP, celebrated the festival at their respective party offices.
Security personnel all across Jammu region too celebrated the festival of colours with exuberance.
BSF jawans deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, celebrated Holi with fervour and festivity.
CO (BSF) N S Rautela, while speaking to the media, said, “BSF officers and soldiers celebrated Holi with fervour. We are like a family as we spend ten months of the year here and only two months with our families back in our native places. Our effort always remains that the troops should not miss their families. This is our tradition to celebrate all the festivals of different communities with the same zeal and fervour to strengthen compassion and feeling of oneness. This was on display even today.”
In R S Pura, BSF troops, including women soldiers and officers celebrated the festival at Octroi post with colours and sweets, dancing to the beats of drums on March 24. “We’re part of the BSF family. Festivals do display camaraderie among the troops,” celebrating troops shared with media
The army troops deployed on the LoC in Akhnoor too had celebrated the festival on Sunday by applying colours and enjoying Holi delicacies in the presence of White Knight Corps General Officer Commanding Lt Gen Naveen Sachdeva.
Holi was celebrated with fervour and festivity in Kathua, Samba, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts as well. At some places, special Holi Milan events were also organised.
In Kashmir, BSF Frontier of the Kashmir division organised special celebrations for the troops at the Humhama BSF Headquarters in Budgam district on Sunday. IG BSF Frontier, Kashmir division Ashok Yadav, in an official statement, had said, “BSF has a tradition of celebrating all festivals from every religion with great joy. It serves to alleviate our stress as well.”
Holi Mela was an added attraction where stalls provided moments of mirth and merriment for soldiers and families. Army, CRPF, SSB too held similar celebrations across Kashmir at their respective headquarters and even at Border Out Posts (BOPs) on Sunday as well as on Monday.
The members of the minority community too soaked themselves in the Holi celebrations with Gulal and sweets.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended Holi greetings.
“Heartiest greetings to the people on the joyous occasion of Holi. Let us ensure that the vibrant colours, ideals and the values associated with the Holi touch the lives of one and all. May this festival fill everyone’s life with good health and happiness,” the LG posted on micro-blogging website X.