Holi, the festival of colors, was celebrated with great enthusiasm across Telangana on Friday. People smeared ‘gulal’ (colored powder) on each other’s faces and shared sweets with friends and family. Children and youth joined in the fun, taking part in celebrations held in apartments and residential complexes in Hyderabad and other towns.
North Indian communities in Hyderabad observed the traditional ‘Holika Dahan’ on Thursday night, marking the beginning of the festivities. The celebrations became even more vibrant with Rajasthan natives performing ‘Gair,’ a traditional folk dance. Union Minister of State for Home, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, took part in the Holi celebrations in Karimnagar. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, and Union Minister and State BJP President G. Kishan Reddy sent their greetings to the people on this joyful occasion.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma described Holi as a festival that strengthens unity among people. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed his hope that the festival would bring happiness and prosperity to every family in the state. Kishan Reddy also wished for good health and joy for all Indians through the festival.
In Hyderabad, Holi celebrations started early in the morning in areas like Secunderabad, Kukatpally, Nampally, Begum Bazaar, and M.J. Market. Families and friends gathered to apply ‘gulal’ and exchange warm wishes. Several Holi parties were held across the city, including in Banjara Hills, Kukatpally, and Necklace Road, where large crowds danced to lively music and enjoyed the festive spirit.
Umesh Mishra, a resident from Bihar, shared his excitement about the celebrations. “For years, our community has celebrated Holi here with great enthusiasm. We use organic colors made from flowers and vegetables. This year was no different. In the evening, we also organized a ‘Hasya Kavi Sammelan’ (humorous poetry gathering),” he said.
Subroto Roy, a member of the Bengali community, highlighted another special aspect of the day. “Holi also marks the birth anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. We offered prayers at the Radha Krishna temple in Jeedimetla and played Holi. The celebrations will conclude with a cultural event,” he explained.
Ramesh Kumar, a resident of Kukatpally, shared his experience with The Hans India. “We observed ‘Holika Dahan’ and celebrated Holi with joy. Later, we organized a cultural event and distributed sweets in the community,” he said.
Holi in Hyderabad was truly a vibrant celebration, bringing people together in a joyful mix of colors, music, and togetherness.
