In Belagavi, politicians host Holi events to woo voters

BELAGAVI: The vibrant Holi festival was celebrated with pomp and gaiety in Belagavi city on Tuesday. Throughout the festival, people of all ages and genders applied colours to family members, friends, relatives, and neighbours.
The festive occasion was also used by politicians to attract voters ahead of the elections. BJP MLA of Belagavi (South) Abhay Patil organised 'Holi Milan', an annual programme at Vaccine Depot grounds in Tilakwadi. Thousands of youths including girls shook their legs to Kannada, Marathi and Hindi movie songs while soaking in the colours.
So far, there has been no competition for the annual Holi Milan programme. However, this year, social worker Prabhavati Chavadi, an aspirant for a Congress ticket from Belagavi (South) constituency, conducted the 'Holi Womenia' programme, exclusively for women. The programme was organised in Shukrawar Peth. Hundreds of women and girls danced to DJ music and enjoyed the occasion.
In Belagavi (North) constituency, BJP ticket aspirant Murugendragouda Patil organised a 'Rangothsav' programme. Other parts of the district also held Holi-related programs, regardless of party affiliation. Former MLA Vishwanath Patil organised a Holi programme in Bailhongal, while youth Congress leader Sourabh Chopra conducted a rain dance event for youths in Yaragatti town.
At Pangul Galli of Belagavi city, thousands of devotees performed ‘urulu seve’ on the premises of Ashwathama temple. In South India, this is the only Ashwathama temple. There is a belief among people that their wishes will be fulfilled by performing ‘urulu serve' during Holi festival celebrations. People pour water and colours from buildings on the devotees doing ‘urulu seve’.