10 holi revellers drowned,1 missing as Odisha celebrates holi

At least 10 holi revellers drowned and another was missing while taking bath in different water-bodies after celebrating the festival of colours today.
While three youths died while taking bath in river Bhargavi and one in river Daya on the outskirts of the state capital city, two other death reports came from Cuttack Road and Nayaplai areas here.
Police and fire brigade personnel have launched search operation for a youth from Old Town area in river Bhargavi.
While two persons died in Kendrapara district after being swept away by river water, one death each came Nayagarh and Ganjam districts, police said.

However, the day began with people applying colours on each other amid drum beats while exchanging greetings and distributing sweets.
Besides politicians of different parties, holi was also celebrated at orphanages and educational campus with children enjoying the festival.

Though Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was away in Delhi, members of his council of ministers, OPCC president Niranjan Patnaik joined the people in celebrating holi.
Odisha Governor S C Jamir and Chief Minister Patnaik greeted the people on the occasion.
Joining the revellers, foreign tourists also played holi in the sea-side pilgrim town Puri bringing the colour of spring on the sea beach.

The tourists from different countries, including 25 Japanese girls and boys joined the local people in celebrating holi.