Patna: Holi is being celebrated with enthusiasm across Bihar on Wednesday as people gather in streets, homes and temples to mark the festival of colours, while political leaders joining the celebrations and authorities maintaining tight security across the state.
Chief minister, Nitish Kumar, extended greetings to the people of Bihar, wishing them joy and harmony on the occasion.
In Patna, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were seen participating in festive gatherings with supporters. BJP MLA Ram Kripal Yadav celebrated Holi with party workers at Gandhi Maidan, where he was seen playing the drum and dancing amid clouds of colour.
Another BJP MLA, Sanjeev Chaurasia, led a colourful procession through parts of the city. Accompanied by supporters, he moved through the streets with drums, cymbals and tambourines, creating a festive atmosphere as residents joined in with gulal and abir.
Festivities are not limited to political gatherings. At the Gangeshwarnath Mahadev temple complex in Ratanpur in Darbhanga district, devotees are celebrating Holi with prayers and colours, drawing large crowds of Shiva worshippers.
Markets across Patna also reflected the festival’s spirit. Long queues are seen outside meat shops on Exhibition Road as people prepare traditional Holi dishes at home. Families began shopping early in the morning to stock up on ingredients for festive meals.
Meanwhile, the state police headquarters deployed additional forces across districts, including the capital, to maintain law and order during the celebrations. Authorities imposed a ban on DJ systems and obscene music in public spaces and warned of strict action against anyone attempting to disturb communal harmony.
Police officials said individuals involved in hooliganism, spreading rumours on social media, performing dangerous stunts on roads or engaging in biker gang activities could face legal action. Security arrangements were intensified in sensitive areas to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Despite the precautions, the festival is unfolding largely in a joyful atmosphere, with people exchanging colours, embracing one another and sharing festive meals as Holi celebrations spread across towns and villages throughout Bihar.
