Traditional Holi festival of Himachal concludes

Shimla, March 21 (IANS) The four-day traditional Holi folk festival of Sujanpur in Himachal Pradesh, which traces its origin to the erstwhile Katoch ruler Sansar Chand, concluded amidst fanfare on Thursday, the organisers said.However, politicians were conspicuously absent this time owing to the Model Code of Conduct that is in force for the Lok Sabha polls.This time the Holi festivities began a day later on March 19 following the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on March 17.The Sujanpur Holi in Hamirpur district, which dates back to 1795, is a festival with a difference. It comprises folk programmes that end on the day when the festival of colours is celebrated in most parts of the country.Besides its historic and religious significance, the festival is also linked to the well-being and prosperity of the locals. It promotes tourism and trade as well.It is believed that on Holi, the Katoch ruler put aside his royalty and mingled with the masses. A tank in the royal palace was filled with coloured water and Sansar Chand would kick start the celebrations by splashing it on his queens and relatives. The royal family then set out of the palace on elephants and passed through the streets of the town with people standing along the way throwing colours on them.
--IANS vg/arm