Shillong: Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated in the cosmopolitan capital city and across the hill state on Wednesday.People from all sections of society bonded in joy and peace as they reveled with the advent of the ‘King of Seasons’, ‘Vasant Ritu’ (spring).Children made the most of it with their resonating laughter and colourful cheers, as Holi rendered the air festive.Holi ‘milan’ and ‘Basanta Utsav’ get-togethers were arranged in different localities in Shillong and Tura, the major cities in the Garo Hills, and other parts of Meghalaya. People greeted each other with ‘abir’ and ‘gulal’ and triggering traditional ‘pichkari’ or water pistols, splashing coloured water, which were essentially environment-friendly.The rendition of ‘kirtan’ and ‘bhajan’ in temples and residential areas added to the atmosphere of joy as people celebrated ‘Phagua’.Holi was marked by bonhomie and cultural programmes in residential sections of the BSF, Eastern Air Command (Air Force), Assam Rifles, police headquarters and other para-military organisations in the Pine City.The festival of ‘Yaoshang’ was celebrated in the historic Manipuri Raj Bari in Shillong, drawing enthusiasts, mostly students in large numbers.Authorities maintained strict watch over the quality of the multi-coloured powders and other colouring agents sold in shops and market places, ahead of and on the day of Holi, ensuring that these were in keeping with the prescribed safety norms.Governor CH Vijayashankar and CM Conrad K Sangma greeted the people on Holi. Both emphasised the promotion of “mutual respect, understanding, compassion, peace and happiness” by “rising above differences” of all hues.
