Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greetings to the nation on the festival of Holi. “Wishing you all a very Happy Holi. May this festival of colors, a symbol of mutual love, affection and brotherhood, bring every color of happiness in your life,” Modi tweeted. Extending greetings on the eve of Holi, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said on the occasion of the festival of colours people should strive to strengthen the bonds of friendship and amity that hold the society together.

 The Delhi Police Thursday said it has made adequate security arrangements for Holi celebrations to keep hooligans at bay and drunken driving in check. The Maharashtra government on the other hand issued guidelines for the festival, asking people to celebrate it without gathering on a large scale, and adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour as the disease is still prevalent.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday announced a two-day holiday for Holi. According to a notice issued by the government, both March 18 and 19 will be official holidays across the state. Meanwhile, Delhi University said teaching activities will remain suspended on March 17 in view of Holi. In a notification, the university said all libraries of the university will also remain closed. The Islamic Centre of India has urged mosques to change the timings of Friday prayers given that Holi will be celebrated the same day. Since Holi, Shab-e-Barat and Friday prayers are on the same day, all efforts should be made to ensure peace and order in keeping with the composite culture of the country, the chairman of the Islamic Centre of India Farangi Mahal appealed on Wednesday.

When is Holi celebrated?
Holi is celebrated in Phagun, the 12th month of the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. This year, the festival is being celebrated on March 18, though the festivities tend to run longer in some places.

What’s the story behind Holi?
Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and there are various stories about its origin.

The most popular legend in Hindu mythology says the festival marks Lord Vishnu’s triumph over King Hiranyakashyapu, who killed anyone who disobeyed him or worshipped other gods.

The king had a son called Prahlad who never worshipped his father and worshipped Vishnu instead. Hiranyakashyapu was so displeased that he conspired with his sister Holika to kill his son.

Holika agreed to kill her nephew, luring Prahlad into a pyre and trying to burn him. However, Vishnu came to Prahlad’s rescue and Holika ended up burning in the pyre.

To this day, Hindu devotees celebrate Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi to mark this event by making bonfires in their neighbourhoods.