The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the nation on the festival of Holi. Following is the full text of his message –

“I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Holi – the festival of colours.

Celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm throughout the country, the colourful festival celebrates the victory of good over evil.  Holi also symbolizes the ability to mingle and share happiness with every fellow citizen of our country. The confluence of vibrant colours during this spring festival is a reminder of our composite culture and shared civilizational values.

In our country, festivals are always an occasion for family and friends to come together and celebrate. But this time, given the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge my fellow citizens to celebrate the festival by adhering to COVID health and hygiene protocols.

May this festival bring peace, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.”

Following is the Hindi text of the message -

रंगों के त्योहार होली के शुभ अवसर पर मैं देशवासियों को हार्दिक बधाई और शुभकामनाएँ देता हूँ।

 देश भर में अत्यधिक हर्षोल्लास और उत्साह से मनाया जाने वाला होली का रंगारंग त्योहार बुराई पर अच्छाई की जीत का उत्सव है। होली देश के प्रत्येक नागरिक के साथ मिल-जुल कर खुशियां बांटने की क्षमता का भी प्रतीक है। बसंत ऋतु के इस त्योहार के दौरान आकर्षक रंगों का मिश्रण हमारी मिश्रित संस्कृति और सभ्यता के साझे मूल्यों का भी अनुस्मारक है।

हमारे देश में, त्योहार सदैव परिवार और मित्रों के साथ मिलकर खुशियां मनाने के अवसर होते हैं। लेकिन इस बार, कोविड-19 विश्वव्यापी महामारी को देखते हुए, मैं देशवासियों  से आग्रह करता हूं कि वे कोविड-स्वास्थ्य और स्वच्छता संबंधी नयाचारों का पालन करते हुए इस पर्व को मनायें।  

मैं कामना करता हूँ कि यह त्योहार हमारे जीवन में शांति, सौहार्द्र, समृद्धि और खुशियां लेकर आए।

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MS/RK/DP