Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today did not take part in Holi celebrations, while the doors of Raj Bhavan were open for the people, ministers and leaders.
"Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik did not celebrate Holi due to the cyclone Phailin which claimed 21 lives in October 2013. The gate of Naveen Niwas was closed for the public for the day," an official at the Chief Minister's Office said.
Governor S C Jamir, ministers, leaders of different parties mingled with people and celebrated the festival of colour in the Raj Bhavan.
"Holi is a great festival for me. Members from different communities like Hindu, Christian and Muslim joined the holi celebration," said BJP candidate from Rourkela Dilip Ray, a former Union minister.
Holi revellers danced and smeared colour at each other in the state capital while 'matka phodo' was held at different places with hundreds competing to break the 'matka' (pot).
The festival was also celebrated in campuses of engineering and management colleges and universities.
The police were deployed to ensure a peaceful celebration.
