By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: Holi celebrations in Odisha, which was celebrated first time after post COVID-19, hit by violence and unforfunate mishaps across the State.
At least 9 persons including from Cuttack, Kendrapara, Balasore, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Bolangir, Choudwar, Bhubaneswar died while more than 30 others sustained injuries in separate incidents of drowning, road accident and group clash across Odisha during the celebration of Holi on Wednesday.
However, The Festival of Colours, Holi celebrated across this eastern Indian State of Odisha amid religious flavour and without COVID-19 restrictions.
Governor Ganeshi Lal, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik , Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP National VP Baijayant Jay Panda greeted the people of Odisha.
The Commissionerate Police and Odisha State Pollution Control Board had conducted joint raids at several shops in Bhubaneswar in view to ensure a safe Holi. The team of officials took the step to ensure that no hazardous or chemical colours are being sold during Holi. The shopkeepers had been directed to sell only organic or herbal colours.
The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated on Phalgun Purnima which comes in February end or early March. Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of good over bad. It also symbolizes new beginnings. It’s a time of great cheer and fun as people smear bright colours on each other.
