Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday appealed to people to celebrate Holi with dignity, avoid vulgar songs and refrain from using chemicals or force while applying colours, saying festivals bring joy only when they are celebrated in peace and harmony.
Addressing a gathering on ‘Bhakt Prahlad Shobhayatra’ organized by Shri Holika Dahan Utsav Samiti at Pandehata in Gorakhpur, he said that Holika Dahan should be carried out in a way that does not cause nuisance or damage to anyone’s property.
“Holi songs should be sung in the true spirit of the festival. There should not be any vulgarity. Whenever vulgarity creeps into the songs, it diminishes the importance of our festivals,” he said, adding that every daughter, sister and merchant should feel safe during the celebrations.
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The Prime Minister said that only colors and gulals should be used during the Rangwali Holi festival, and mud and chemicals should be avoided.
“Do not forcefully put color on someone’s face. There may be elderly people, children, patients or families who are grieving and may not want to participate. No one should be forced,” he said.
Adityanath also urged people to ensure that Holika Dahan is organized at a safe distance from homes and institutions to prevent any damage.
Holi symbolizes the victory of order over chaos and truth over falsehood. Referring to the mythological story of Prahlad and Holika, he said society must remain vigilant against corruption, chaos and negativity, and likened them to ‘Holika’ which must be set on fire.
The Prime Minister said that just as Lord Vishnu took the avatar of Narasimha to end tyranny, society must remain resolute against mafia, terrorism and chaos to protect the righteous.
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Adityanath also spoke about the redevelopment work in the Bandihata area, describing it as a “heritage corridor” that has been expanded and redesigned.
He said the area, once characterized by narrow lanes and congestion that affected merchants and Calipari Temple devotees, is being transformed into one of the city’s most attractive lanes.
“No one should be displaced for the sake of development. The goal is to ensure that people prosper and have opportunities to expand their businesses,” he said, adding that shop owners affected by space constraints would be accommodated in a new complex nearby at reasonable rents.
He thanked local residents and traders for their support for the redevelopment initiative and said development was progressing from the grassroots to the top.
The Prime Minister claimed that earlier festivals in Uttar Pradesh were often characterized by tension and curfews, but the situation has changed.
He said, “Today there is no curfew and no riots. There is a climate of security and trust.”
Referring to the ongoing Holi celebrations in Mathura and adjoining areas, he said thousands of people, including tourists, participated in the celebrations at places like Vrindavan, Barsana and Nandgaon without any disturbance.
Adityanath said festivals promote social harmony and unity. “Holi is a festival of social cohesion. All differences and bitterness must be forgotten,” he said, extending his greetings to the people of the state.
Gorakhpur MP and BJP leader Ravi Kishan Shukla was also present on the occasion. He praised Adityanath for bringing big deals and valuable MoUs $1.5 million from Singapore and Japan during his recent four-day visit to these countries.
