President, PM extend Holi greetings

President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today extended Holi greetings to the people, and expressed hope that the festival of colours would usher in a new resolve to forge ahead as a nation.

"May this year's festival strengthen fraternal bonds amongst our people and bring peace and prosperity to our nation," Kalam said in his greetings to the people.

He said the festival of colours highlighted the multi-religious harmony and the spirit of tolerance that has been the essence of culture and civilization in the country.

Observing that the festival not only spreads cheer in the lives but also strengthen bonds amongst the people, Prime Minister expressed hope that the "change of season would usher in new hope for a brighter future and a new resolve to forge ahead as a nation."

The story of Holi: Triumph of good over evil

Blessed with a boon of invincibility, King Hiranyakashipu thought he was mightier than God and ordered his people to worship him. All his subjects obeyed except his son Prahlad - an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.

Unable to persuade his son, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlad. All his attempts failed, and finally he turned to his sister Holika who had a special gift: fire could not harm her.

Holika sat on a bonfire with Prahlad in her lap hoping to burn him to death. Prahlad chanted Vishnu's name. The fire didn't harm him, but Holika perished in it.

To this day, Holi commemorates Holika's death in the fire, which symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Here is wishing all visitors a Happy Holi!