The festival of colours Holi is being celebrated in different parts of the country today. The festival, which symbolises the victory of good over evil, is the most vibrant of all. Celebration of Holi at Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is world famous and it attracts tourists from across the globe. The lighting of bonfire – Holika Dahan was observed yesterday evening across the country.<br/><br/>President and Vice President and Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the occasion. In his message, President Pranab Mukherjee said, the festival symbolizes the vibrant colours of the diverse multicultural society and the spirit of tolerance and harmony that has been the essence of Indian culture and civilisation. He hoped that the festival of colours will be a joyous expression of the spirit of pluralism and it will strengthen the fraternal bonds amongst the citizens.<br/><br/>In his message, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari said, the festival marks the onset of warmer season and victory of good over evil. He hoped that the festival will bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in people's lives.<br/><br/>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also greeted the people on the occasion of Holi.<br/><br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports, Holi is an extravagant affair in Mathura, the birth place of Lord Krishna. The celebrations start 40 days before the actual day of Holi. In Uttar Pradesh Holi celebrations at Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana is world famous and it attracts tourists from across the globe. The national capital witnesses a number of traditions to make the Holi in the capital what it is. In a unique celebration Jaipur holds a grand Elephant Festival on Holi. The elephants are groomed and dressed with dazzling and embroidered velvets rugs and parasols and other grand ornaments like huge elephant jewellery and anklets decked with bells. The North-eastern state of Manipur witness the celebration of Holi for over 6 days.

The festival of colours Holi is being celebrated in different parts of the country today. The festival, which symbolises the victory of good over evil, is the most vibrant of all. Celebration of Holi at Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is world famous and it attracts tourists from across the globe. The lighting of bonfire – Holika Dahan was observed yesterday evening across the country.<br/><br/>President and Vice President and Prime Minister have greeted the nation on the occasion. In his message, President Pranab Mukherjee said, the festival symbolizes the vibrant colours of the diverse multicultural society and the spirit of tolerance and harmony that has been the essence of Indian culture and civilisation. He hoped that the festival of colours will be a joyous expression of the spirit of pluralism and it will strengthen the fraternal bonds amongst the citizens.<br/><br/>In his message, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari said, the festival marks the onset of warmer season and victory of good over evil. He hoped that the festival will bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in people's lives.<br/><br/>Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also greeted the people on the occasion of Holi.