New Delhi, March 2: The nation woke up to a colourful morning, filled with laughter, joy and delicious food. On the occasion of the festival of colours, a string of leaders including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu among others extended Holi greetings to people of the nation.

The President of India, Ram Nath Kovind in his message prayed for peace, joy, and prosperity in everyone's lives. In his greetings on the eve of Holi has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Holi, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens. The festival of colours, Holi is a celebration of harmony in our society. It conveys a message of unity, goodwill and fraternity”.

The President further added that he is confident this cherished day will inspire all Indians, at home and abroad, to strengthen their bonds of friendship – and fill their lives with happiness and optimism. “On the occasion of Holi, let us resolve to work together to accomplish a bright future for our nation”, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter wishing everyone 'Happy Holi'. “होली के पावन पर्व की सभी देशवासियों को ढेरों शुभकामनाएं। Wishing everyone a Happy Holi!”, he tweeted.

Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Holi. In a message, he said that the ritual of ‘Holika Dahan’ symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the bonfire reminds us to get rid of the dead wood and ignoble baggage of thoughts and actions.

"I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Holi – the festival of colours. May this festival paint our lives with the bright hues of peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness", the Vice President said.

Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar too extended Holi greetings to the nation. “Happy to be home. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes. Wishing you all a very Happy & Colourful Holi”, he said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on the occasion of Holi: "My Nani is 93. She’s the kindest soul ever. This Holi weekend, I’m going to surprise her! I can’t wait to give her a hug..."

The festival of colours is celebrated with traditional fervor and enthusiasm throughout the country. Holi marks the end of winter and onset of spring. On the eve of Holi, the ritual of ‘Holika Dahan’ symbolizes the victory of good over evil and the bonfire reminds us to get rid of the dead wood and ignoble baggage of thoughts and actions.

On Thursday, people from villages and cities thronged temples in large numbers on the occasion of Holika Dahan. Meanwhile, the markets in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram city have been decked up for the annual festival of Pongala. Holi also marks the culmination of a 10-day-long annual festival at the Attukal Bhagavathy temple. Devotees cook the offering to the deity on makeshift brick stoves that are arranged around a huge circumference of the shrine.

According to an Indian mythological tale, the festival of Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil.  It also represents the story of the death of Holika, the sister of a king named Hiranyakashipu who had fallen to her own trap set to kill his nephew Prahlad who is said to be saved by Lord Krishna as the latter went on to rule the kingdom of 'Daityas'. On the second day, North India celebrates 'Dulhandi' where everyone applies colour to each other.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 02, 2018 10:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).