Residents revel in Holi festivities in city, politicians add colour
Large number of people gather for celebrations at the city beaches; some apartment associations create their own festive atmosphere for the residents by organising various activities
Holi, the festival of colours, was on Monday celebrated with full enthusiasm amid elaborate security arrangements in Visakhapatnam, as people smeared each others faces with colours and enthusiastic revellers thronged the streets and beaches till evening.
As part of the celebrations, the beaches were buzzing with the sound of bikes since early morning. People wearing clothes drenched in colours visited their friends and relatives. Many educational institutions declared Monday as a holiday.
No untoward incident was reported except four youngsters almost getting drowned at RK Beach. The lifeguards rescued them and admitted them to hospital, where their condition was stable. Policemen were deployed in sensitive areas to maintain law and order as part of the Model Code of Conduct.
Some of the apartment dwellers created their own festive atmosphere for the inmates to celebrate the festival with joy and fun. Sai Oak Dale Apartment Association president Sheik Abdul Rajaac said, “We have set up a mini play zone in our premises to celebrate the festival. Not only Holi, but we celebrate all the public festivals to establish good relations among the tenants. It is safe for our children too.”
On the other hand, as the general elections approach, the participation of politicians and their followers made the festival even more colourful. Especially leaders of YSR Congress (YSRCP) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) came forward to join youngsters at different locations in their respective segments.
Visakhapatnam East Assembly constituency YSRCP candidate M.V.V. Satyanarayana participated in the celebrations during his campaign in the 18th ward. Visakhapatnam West Assembly segment candidate Ganababu from TDP celebrated in Annapurna Nagar.