One of the most popular Hindu festivals, Holi, was celebrated across India despite coronavirus measures imposed by the government.

Holi, an ancient Hindu festival, was celebrated on March 29 across India, marking the beginning of the spring harvest season in the country. 

Amid the coronavirus pandemic and surging cases, the celebrations were muted in some parts of the country but not everyone followed the government's Covid-19 advice. 

Indians dance during Holi festival celebrations in Gauhati, India, Monday, March 29, 2021. Hindus threw colored powder and sprayed water in massive Holi celebrations Monday despite many Indian states restricting gatherings to try to contain a coronavirus resurgence rippling across the country.
Indians dance during Holi festival celebrations in Gauhati, India, Monday, March 29, 2021. Hindus threw colored powder and sprayed water in massive Holi celebrations Monday despite many Indian states restricting gatherings to try to contain a coronavirus resurgence rippling across the country. (AP)

Many state governments and federally-run territories announced a ban on the public festival that is typically celebrated by throwing coloured powder and water balloons at each other and chanting, “Holi Hai.”

A woman daubed in colours reacts as colour powder is thrown towards her during Holi celebrations, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Chennai, India, March 29, 2021.
A woman daubed in colours reacts as colour powder is thrown towards her during Holi celebrations, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Chennai, India, March 29, 2021. (Reuters)

Maharashtra, New Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are among the places where officials announced restrictions as the country reported the highest daily increase in coronavirus cases in five months on Monday.

Indians smeared in color participate in Holi festival celebrations in Gauhati, India, Monday, March 29, 2021.
Indians smeared in color participate in Holi festival celebrations in Gauhati, India, Monday, March 29, 2021. (AP)

A total of 68,020 new coronavirus cases, 1,881 of them only in the capital Delhi, were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the health ministry. A Reuters tally found that it is the highest daily rise since Oct 11.

Indians play with colors as they celebrate Holi in Hyderabad, India, Monday, March 29, 2021. Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, also heralds the arrival of spring.
Indians play with colors as they celebrate Holi in Hyderabad, India, Monday, March 29, 2021. Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, also heralds the arrival of spring. (AP)

On the other hand, thousands of devotees gathered in the holy Mathura city to celebrate the festival,  while Banke Bihari Temple in Uttar Pradesh's Vrindavan was packed with people. 

Men cheer as they are splashed with water during Holi celebrations, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-9), in Prayagraj, India, March 29, 2021.
Men cheer as they are splashed with water during Holi celebrations, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-9), in Prayagraj, India, March 29, 2021. (Reuters)

Despite fears that gatherings would fuel the infection rate, the usage of masks was low in the areas where the government had imposed coronavirus regulations.

A woman reacts as coloured powder is applied on her face during Holi celebrations, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Mumbai, India, March 29, 2021.
A woman reacts as coloured powder is applied on her face during Holi celebrations, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Mumbai, India, March 29, 2021. (Reuters)

Also known as the festival of colours, Holi marks a symbolic triumph of good over evil. Each colour has a meaning, and the mixing of them suggests a blurring of the divide among people.

Source: TRT World