Holi highlights communal bonds in Orissa
By ANIMonday, March 1, 2010
PURI - Hindus and Muslims of Orissa’s Puri district set an example of communal harmony by playing Holi together.
Singing and dancing to traditional songs devoted to Holi, members of the two communities drenched themselves in colours of unity and brotherhood.
According to the locals, the celebrations have been going on for ages, where people of both the communities celebrate it jointly.
“There are no differences between us; we have been celebrating this festival not from today but from ages. Till now, there have been no clashes between the two communities. We celebrate each and every festival together; we celebrate the festival of Eid with the same enthusiasm. I want to convey the message that Hindus and Muslims should enjoy together and maintain the peace and harmony of this country,” said Bijay Nayak.
A huge procession was taken out on the streets to mark the celebrations.
“This tradition of Hindus and Muslims playing Holi together has been going on from ages. We both celebrate this festival of colours together. Never ever has it struck our minds that it is he festival of Hindus; we feel that it is our festival only,”" said S K Fakruddin. (ANI)