Bhubaneswar: The upcoming Holi celebrations promise grandeur, with political leaders organising parties for supporters and sponsoring events to woo voters.
“Of course, Holi will be grand this year. Every year, we celebrate Holi with our supporters, be it an election year or not. This year also there are plans for celebrations as it is a festival of colours and happiness.We will soak in the festive spirit,” said senior Congress leader and MLA Suresh Routray, who is not contesting this year while his two sons are entering the electoral fray.
As notification for the simultaneous general elections is yet to be issued and candidates have not yet started filing nominations, Holi celebrations will not come under the radar of the Election Commission, sources said.
“Holi will be an occasion for political leaders, irrespective of parties, to blend with masses and garner support. This year, all senior leaders and those aspiring for a ticket will meet people and show that they are with people in good times,” said a senior minister.
There will be celebrations and Holi ‘milans’ in party offices. Unlike the northern part of India, Holi is celebrated in Odisha as ‘Dola Yatra’. Deities are brought out from temples in palanquins and assembled at village grounds where people celebrate with gulal.
“Dola Melanas will provide a platform for leaders to mingle with common people. Leaders may visit their constituencies to meet people on Holi. Many are sponsoring feasts for supporters,” said Subrat Das, a resident of Badachana.
“Of course, Holi will be grand this year. Every year, we celebrate Holi with our supporters, be it an election year or not. This year also there are plans for celebrations as it is a festival of colours and happiness.We will soak in the festive spirit,” said senior Congress leader and MLA Suresh Routray, who is not contesting this year while his two sons are entering the electoral fray.
As notification for the simultaneous general elections is yet to be issued and candidates have not yet started filing nominations, Holi celebrations will not come under the radar of the Election Commission, sources said.
“Holi will be an occasion for political leaders, irrespective of parties, to blend with masses and garner support. This year, all senior leaders and those aspiring for a ticket will meet people and show that they are with people in good times,” said a senior minister.
There will be celebrations and Holi ‘milans’ in party offices. Unlike the northern part of India, Holi is celebrated in Odisha as ‘Dola Yatra’. Deities are brought out from temples in palanquins and assembled at village grounds where people celebrate with gulal.
“Dola Melanas will provide a platform for leaders to mingle with common people. Leaders may visit their constituencies to meet people on Holi. Many are sponsoring feasts for supporters,” said Subrat Das, a resident of Badachana.
We also published the following articles recently
Holi 2024: Best places to celebrate Holi in India
March 25, 2024, Holi celebrations span Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Jaipur, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, incorporating unique traditions like Lathmar Holi, Basanta Utsav, and Kumaoni Holi, showcasing vibrant cultural diversity across India.
March 25, 2024, Holi celebrations span Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Jaipur, West Bengal, Uttarakhand, and Punjab, incorporating unique traditions like Lathmar Holi, Basanta Utsav, and Kumaoni Holi, showcasing vibrant cultural diversity across India.