Holi Celebrations

Texas passes first-ever Holi resolution, 3rd US state to recognise festival

The Texas Senate has passed its first-ever resolution recognising Holi, officially acknowledging the Hindu festival of colours as a significant cultural celebration. With this move, Texas becomes the third US state after Georgia and New York to formally recognise Holi. The resolution was introduced by Senator Sarah Eckhardt and passed just ahead of Holi celebrations on March 14. It highlights Holi's cultural and spiritual significance, celebrating spring, renewal, unity, and the triumph of good over evil. "The origins of this jubilant festival can be traced back many millennia, and the holiday is recognised and celebrated throughout the world by people of all backgrounds who relate to the festival's themes of love, renewal, and progress," the resolution states. The Senate also emphasised Holi's role in strengthening community bonds and enriching Texas's cultural diversity. Consul General of India in Houston, DC Manjunath, told PTI, This is a proud and historic moment for Texas.

WATCH: Perform 'thumka' or face suspension, Tej Pratap warns cop on Holi

Maverick RJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy on Saturday when a policeman was commanded by the former Bihar minister to perform a 'thumka' (pelvic thrust) or face suspension. The lurid drama unfolded at the official residence of Yadav, the elder son of former chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, during holi celebrations. In a style reminiscent of the 'kapda faad Holi' that his father used to organise, Yadav tore off clothes of supporters who poured in to greet him, and also drove a scooter on the streets adjoining his house, screaming "Happy Holi Paltu Chacha", a taunt obviously aimed at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has aligned with and dumped the RJD twice. One of the videos of his revelry that has gone viral on social media show the Hasanpur MLA regally seated on a sofa, placed on a make-shift stage, holding a mike. "Ae sipahi, ae Deepak, abhi ek gana bajaenge jis par tumko thumka lagana padega. Nahin lagaoge to tumko suspend

Traffic violations surge over 100% during Holi celebrations this year

Traffic violations surged by more than 100 per cent during Holi celebrations this year, an official said on Saturday. A total of 7,230 challans were issued on Holi this year, marking a sharp increase from 3,589 violations recorded in 2024, he said. According to a police statement, the number of people caught for drunken driving surged to 1,213 in 2025 compared to 824 in 2024. Similarly, helmet-related violations increased by 56 per cent to 2,376 this year from 1,524 challans in 2024. The statement added that other offenses, including triple-riding, tinted glass violations and driving without seat belts also saw an increase. A total of 573 challans were issued for triple-riding and 97 for tinted glass violations this year. According to the statement, about 1,241 violators were booked for other traffic offenses last year on Holi, with it rising by 139 per cent in 2025 with a total of 2,971 violators booked. Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Dinesh Kumar Gupta stated, "Keep

UP revels in Holi festivities; Barabanki dargah becomes symbol of harmony

Holi festivities went off peacefully across Uttar Pradesh with people from different faiths coming together in Barabanki to celebrate the festival of colours. In some areas, the celebrations were held amid tight security due to Holi coinciding with the second Friday prayers of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated Holi by applying 'gulal' (powder colour) to cows and calves at the Gorakhnath temple cow shelter. Wearing his signature saffron attire, a multicolour turban and black sunglasses, the chief minister also showered flower petals and 'gulal' on the crowd during a Holi procession. Actor and MP Ravi Kishan added to the festive spirit by singing folk songs. Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya celebrated Holi in Lucknow. Pathak joined a Holi procession on a camel. Lucknow's Chowk area was packed with revellers, who danced to Bollywood songs and smeared bright colours on each other. Some German tourists also joined

Friday prayers conclude in Sambhal's Shahi Jama Masjid amid tight security

Friday prayers concluded peacefully in Sambhal's Mughal-era Shahi Jama Masjid amid tight security, an official said. Ulemas and mutawallis had fixed the time for 'Jumma Namaz', extending it by about an hour to 2:30 pm, because of Holi. District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said both Holi and the Namaz concluded peacefully. He said tight security arrangements were made in view of Holi and the Friday prayers. Personnel from the Rapid Action Force, Provincial Armed Constabulary and the local police remained fully alert. Surveillance was also conducted through drones.

Rajasthan man strangled to death for refusing Holi colours; three booked

Villagers and family members of the deceased staged a late-night protest, blocking the national highway with Hansraj's body in Rajasthan's Dausa district until 1 am on Thursday

CM Rekha Gupta vows to paint Delhi with colours of happiness, prosperity

Gupta highlighted her vision for the capital, focusing on progress and prosperity, and reaffirmed the importance of her leadership in achieving a brighter future for the people of Delhi

No other religion has such rich tradition of festivals: Adityanath on Holi

No country and religion has such a rich tradition of festivals as Sanatan Dharma, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday on the occasion of Holi and asserted that India moves ahead through festivals. Addressing the traditional "Narsingh Shobhayatra' in Gorakhpur, he stressed that Holi gives out the message of an maintaining an "Akhand" (intact) country through unity. "The vision of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat' will be fulfilled," he stressed. "No country in the world, no caste, no religion has such a rich tradition of festivals as Sanatan Dharma. We have faith in Sanatan Dharma and the faith is the soul of festivals. India moves ahead through festivals." Adityanath said. "You have seen that those who oppose Sanatan Dharma have seen the ability ('saamarth') of Sanatan Dharma as well as that of India through the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. Over 66 crore devotees came together and got blessings in the mega bathing rituals at Sangam. There was no discrimination based o

Sambhal police conduct flag march, monitor Holi celebrations with drones

Other than police, paramilitary forces also conducted a flag march in Sambhal, whereas the administration is using drones for proper monitoring of the situation in the district

President Murmu extends Holi greetings, says festival symbolises unity

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday conveyed her greetings to the fellow citizens on the eve of Holi, saying the festival of colours nurtures the spirit of unity and brotherhood and reflects the values of unity in diversity. In a message, Murmu extended her warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad, and said Holi brings along happiness and enthusiasm. "This festival nurtures the spirit of unity and brotherhood in our lives. The diverse colours of Holi reflect the values of unity in diversity. This festival also symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It teaches us to spread love and positivity around us. "May this festival of colours fill your lives with joy and prosperity, she said.

Holi and Ramzan: Mosques in UP, other states adjust jumma prayer timings

Prayer timings adjusted in different states as Holi, jumma coincide. Here are the updated schedules and restrictions in UP, Delhi, and other cities

Holi, Ramzan Friday prayers on same day: Delhi, Mumbai beef up security

Holi celebrations and Friday prayers during Ramzan will coincide on March 14, marking a rare occurrence in 60 years

Stock Market Holiday: Is BSE, NSE open or closed on Holi 2025, March 14?

Indian Stock Market News: Indian stock market hours are from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday. A pre-open session runs from 9:00 AM to 9:15 AM on regular trading days

Holi 2025 holidays: How many days will schools be closed in each state?

Holi is observed on March 14 throughout India, but the most enthusiastic celebrations take place in North India. Let us find out how many holidays each state will observe for the festival

Security tightened in Sambhal to maintain peace ahead of Holi celebrations

A peace committee meeting was also held at the Sambhal Kotwali police station on March 6 in view of the upcoming Holi festival on Friday

Airlines announce Holi discounts with fares starting from Rs 1,199

With only a few days to go before the country celebrates Holi, several airline companies offered discounts on fares on the occasion of the festival of colours. While two airlines are providing discounts on both domestic and international networks, another has the offer only for the domestic sector. Low-cost airline Akasa Air said it is offering an all-inclusive one-way fare starting at Rs 1,499 on domestic routes. Besides, the airline has also come up with saver and flexi fares across all its domestic and international networks. In addition, the airline has also come up with a promo code HOLI15 for discounts on international bookings and a flat 15 per cent discount on seat selection for domestic and international flights. The offers are valid for 'Saver' and 'Flexi' fares on bookings made between March 10 and March 13 for travel starting from March 17, Akasa Air said in a statement. Another low-cost carrier IndiGo has launched Holi Getaway Sale, offering customers discounted fare

Holi special trains 2025: Indian Railways launches 62 trains to ease rush

Indian Railways has announced special Holi trains to avoid the high passenger demand during the festival. Holika Dahan will be on Mar 13, followed by Holi on Mar 14, and a weekend on Mar 15 and 16

Braj Holi 2025: Check complete 40-day 'Rangotsav' festival schedule

During the 40-day Rangotsav, Holi of the Braj includes Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon, and is one of the most well-known festivals. The celebrations begin on Feb 3, and conclude on March 22

Add colour to tourism via Holi events: Trade body to Rajasthan govt

If Holi events were organised properly at 50 destinations, more than 10 million people from outside could visit Rajasthan within five years, says a travel agent

UP Police fines a man and two women Rs 33000 for playing Holi on scooter

A man and two women were fined Rs 33,000 for playing Holi in an intimate gesture on a two-wheeler. The video of the incident went viral