Holi festivities begin in Mathura

Though people in north India are faced with a spine-chilling cold these days, festivities related to Holi, the festival of colours, commenced here in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura city on Wednesday.

Every year Holi festivities that last for 40 days begin on Basant Panchami festival here. The celebrations attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.

"Today, we are feeling very happy as the Holi celebrations begin on the first day of Vasant Panchami," said Monika.

Another devotee, Vimal Jeet said that she felt very happy after taking blessings from the God.

"We really enjoyed after playing Holi with the God. After taking blessings from the God we really enjoyed it," said Vimal Jeet.

Celebrated in the month of Phagun (February-March) according to the Hindu calendar, Holi is the festival of colours. The festival also marks the onset of spring.

Holi brings together people from all classes and age groups as they play with colours, distribute sweets and take out processions, dancing to the tunes of drums in a mélange of colours. Holi festival will be celebrated on March 1 this year.