Yogi celebrated Holi for the first time

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in Falgun Mahotsav organised by the RSS and Hindu Yuva Vahini  in Gorakhpur on Friday. Yogi celebrated Holi for the first time after taking over as Chief Minister of the state on March 19 last year.

The Chief Minister, however, gave the traditional Narsingh Shobha Yatra a miss. Yogi had been leading the Yatra taken out on the occasion of Holi in Gorakhpur for the last 22 years. He wished the people from the stage and asked them not to force colours on those who were unwilling.

Earlier on Thursday, the Chief Minister participated in `Holika Dahan’ programme in the premises of Gorakhnath temple and performed puja.

Addressing a gathering, Yogi said, “Do not shower or smear colours forcefully on those who were not willing to play Holi. It is a festival that symbolises harmony and brotherhood.” Yogi also urged people to rise above casteism and untouchability and form a society based on equality and brotherhood.

The CM showered praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, “Modi ji has given the mantra of achievement through pledge (sankalp se siddhi). The PM-led war against corruption, anarchy and mismanagement is moving toward victory.” Yogi also tweeted and wished the people on Holi. 

On February 24, the Chief Minister had visited Mathura to celebrate Holi and visited the sanctum of Shri Krishna Janam Sthan temple along with Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar, before visiting Keshav Deo Temple. Yogi also reviewed security arrangements and asked officials to increase the security and facilities at the temple.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of trying to ‘capture Hindu festivals’ and said that such events have been organised by the hovernments in th past too.  

“The BJP is acting as if it has patent over our festivals. But people should know that they played Holi in Mathura after covering their heads with shower caps,” Akhilesh said.

“Earlier, they hired some artistes in Ayodhya on the occasion of Diwali and presented them before the people as gods. They decorated a government-owned helicopter and called it Pushpak Viman,” Akhilesh said in his native village Saifai in Etawah.