Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh):

During Holi, what comes to mind is the joyful sprinkling of colours and the fervent spirit of celebration. Across generations, young and old alike partake in vibrant festivities, engaging in colourful games and merry-making.

However, in the village of Santhekudlur in Adoni mandal of Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district, a peculiar tradition has been observed since time immemorial.

In a unique Holi celebration, men undergo a transformation, donning women’s attire. They gracefully drape sarees, embellish themselves with flowers, and adorn their attire with ornate ornaments.

As the villagers gather to commemorate Holi in their distinctive manner, the sight of men adorned in women’s attire, paying homage to the deity “Rati Manmatha” continues to captivate and intrigue, symbolising the enduring spirit of tradition and belief.

Unusual #tradition of #crossdressing for #Holi in #AndhraPradesh#Kurnool#Adoni#SanthekulluruVillage where over several generations, men wear jewellery, flowers, dress meant for women during #HoliFestival & do thanksgiving puja to #RathiManmadulu after fulfilment of wish/prayer pic.twitter.com/Q4PQxECRpY

— Uma Sudhir (@umasudhir) March 26, 2024

As per locals, it is believed that if ‘Kamadeva’ is worshipped by men in women’s attire on the festival of Holi, then families will be blessed by the Lord with happiness and prosperity.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Creating reels has become a daily routine for many. Whether it’s dancing, modelling or any other type of video, people on the internet are always game for anything and everything, consistently making headlines. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any more bizarre, a video has emerged online, going viral, and leaving social media users outraged. In the clip, three people are seen riding on a scooter, two of whom are girls and one is a boy. The video captures the two girls engaging in provocative behaviour and playing Holi while riding pillion on the two-wheeler. 

In the video, the two girls exchange colourful powders on each other’s cheeks while a Hindi film song plays in the background. The boy, on the other hand, is seen driving the scooter, while another person shot the video. Social media users have become outraged after watching the clip and are demanding action against the viral video.

Take a look below: 

#HoliCelebration@uptrafficpolice@Uppolice@dtptraffic
गाड़ी नंबर – (UP16C – X0866)
बिना हेलमेट इए ड्राइविंग ट्रिपिंलिंग और स्टंट किया जा रहा है आपसे अनुरोध है इन लोगो पर करएवाही करें @zoo_bear@WasimAkramTyagi@007AliSohrabpic.twitter.com/FpJXzGWtfr

— Shiekh Mohd Aqib (@Mohd_Aqib9) March 25, 2024

After the video went viral, it caught the attention of Noida traffic police as well. Responding to the X post, the cops informed that a fine of Rs 33,000 has been issued against the concerned vehicle.

“Taking cognizance of the above complaint, action has been taken against the concerned vehicle for violation of traffic rules by issuing e-challan (fine Rs 33000/-) as per rules,” the Noida Traffic Police tweeted in Hindi. 

उक्त शिकायत का संज्ञान लेते हुए संबंधित वाहन के विरुद्ध यातायात नियमों का उल्लंघन करने पर नियमानुसार ई-चालान (जुर्माना 33000/- रुपए) की कार्यवाही की गई है।
यातायात हेल्पलाइन नं0- 9971009001 pic.twitter.com/8iOBgEESgW

— Noida Traffic Police (@noidatraffic) March 25, 2024

Meanwhile, internet users slammed the people involved in the act in the viral clip. “what message will these two girls, indulging in such obscene acts, convey to society? Even children watch these videos,” wrote one user. “They are in an inabriated condition.Need to take immediate action against such obscene behaviour in full day light in the guise of Holi,” said another. 

“Under the guise of Holi, the supposedly cultured girls have spread obscenity, the influence of Delhi Metro has reached Greater Noida, should we call this vulgarity or the ghost of reels?” commented a third, referencing another viral video of two girls engaging in provocative behaviour aboard Delhi Metro. 

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The previous video showed the girls, dressed in traditional Indian attire, applying coloured powder to each other’s faces before escalating to more intimate gestures, including rubbing their faces together and lying closely. The incident caught the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s (DMRC) attention. The officials suggested the possibility of deep fake technology being used to create the content.

Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh):

The devotees celebrated ‘Rangotsav’ inside the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on the occasion of Holi on Monday.

“Rangotsav at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir,” the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra posted on X on Monday.

श्री राम जन्मभूमि मंदिर में रंगोत्सव

Rangotsav at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir pic.twitter.com/nJgjb2QT7Z

— Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (@ShriRamTeerth) March 25, 2024

The festival of colours, ‘Rangotsav’ started on the first ‘Rangbhari Ekadashi’ after the pran pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple by applying colours to the deity in Hanumangarhi temple.

Devotees arrived at the Ram Temple in large numbers for the darshan of Ram Lalla on the occasion of Holi on Monday.

Devotees immersed themselves in Holi celebrations as they sang devotional songs and smeared each other in the colours of the festival inside the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya, the holy city of Uttar Pradesh, is witnessing a grand celebration of Holi this year, paying homage to Lord Ram.

A festival celebrated with as much fervour in the country will be marked on March 25. The festival is preceded by a ritual of lighting bonfires called Holika Dahan, signifying the burning of the demon Holika.

Amidst the revelry, traditional sweets are shared, fostering a sense of amity and togetherness among the people, with revellers exuding the spirit of joy and love.

The entire country is undoubtedly intoxicated with the Holi spirit.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

New Delhi:

President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her greetings to citizens on the eve of Holi and said the festival promotes a feeling of love, unity and brotherhood among people.

“On the auspicious occasion of Holi, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad,” the President said in a message on Sunday.

The President upheld the spirit of the Holi festival in her message and said, “Holi is a vibrant and joyous festival, which infuses hope and enthusiasm into our lives. Various colours of Holi symbolise the diversity of our country. This festival promotes feelings of love, unity and brotherhood among the people. This festival also inspires us to strengthen our cultural heritage.”

“May this festival of colours bring happiness into everyone’s life and motivate all of us to work towards nation-building with new zeal,” she added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended greetings to the country’s citizens on the eve of Holi on Sunday. In a post on social media platform, X, PM Modi said, “I extend my Holi wishes to all my fellow citizens of the country.”

“May this traditional festival, ornamented with colours of affection and harmony, bring new energy and enthusiasm into all your lives,” he said.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah conveyed his greetings to the people on the festival of colours, Holi, wishing happiness, prosperity, harmony and new energy in everyone’s life.

“Best wishes to all the countrymen for the great festival of colours and joy, Holi. May this festival of happiness bring colours of prosperity and harmony into the lives of all of you and become a medium for the transmission of new energy,” Amit Shah posted from his official X handle.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, too, extended his warm greetings to fellow countrymen on the occasion of Holi.

“Best wishes to all of you on the festival of Holi. May this festival of colours infuse joy, enthusiasm and new energy into your life. Happy Holi!” Rajnath Singh posted from his handle on X.

Holi is celebrated with as much fervour in the country as it is overseas. The festival is preceded by a ritual of lighting bonfires called ‘Holika Dahan’, signifying the burning of the demon Holika.

The festival is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is believed to have spent a considerable amount of time in a region called Braj in Uttar Pradesh. It not only replicates the spirit of Holi but also impersonates the timeless love of Radha and Krishna.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)