KCR, Governor Extend Holi Wishes To Public

Telangana's leaders today extended their Holi wishes to the people of the state a day ahead of the festival.

While Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao conveyed effusive greetings to the people, he also reminded them to celebrate the festival in keeping with the Covid-19 safety guidelines.

Following the recent rise in the number of reported cases in Telangana, he made sure to appeal to all not to celebrate Holi at public places but in their own homes.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan too wished the people a happy Holi.

In her message, the Governor said, "I convey my heartiest greetings and wishes to the people of Telangana on the occasion of Holi. I hope that this festival of colours truly ushers in joy, health, peace, and prosperity in your life and in society. The joyful celebrations of Holi signify the bonding between various sections of the people and truly reflect our unity-in-diversity and national integration. The festive spirit of Holi transcends all social barriers and strengthens the social fabric of the nation, symbolising the power of truth and good triumphing over evil. I once again convey my greetings and wishes to the people of the state on this happy festival. However, I appeal to all of you to safely celebrate the festival by adhering to all the preventive norms to contain the spread of Covid-19."

Telangana's director of public health, Dr G Srinivasa Rao, also issued a similar appeal to the public recently, and advised them to adhere strictly to the required safety protocols.

"Those people who will be playing Holi should be especially careful this year, and should observe social distancing, hand hygiene and mask-wearing at all times. In fact, it is best to avoid playing Holi," he said.

Meanwhile, the Hyderabad police recently announced that no permission had been granted to large-scale Holi celebrations in the city in the wake of the prevailing Covid-19 situation.

The gated communities, hostels and event companies in the state capital have been instructed to not hold any large celebrations this year.

Further, though this year's Ram Navami celebrations are still a month away (April 21), the state government has already decided that the festival will be celebrated at a "modest" scale.

Endowments Minister A Indrakaran Reddy said that the decision was taken keeping in mind the rise in Covid-19 cases in Telangana, and added that the celebrations would be held in the presence of a limited number of people at the Ram Temple in Bhadrachalam.

The minister also urged the devotees to refrain from visiting the temple on the auspicious occasion, and asked them to witness the celebrations on their TVs. He assured them that the devotees who had booked tickets for the Ram Navami ceremonies online would receive refunds shortly.