4 with PFI links held on way to Hathras: UP Police

The nation immersed itself in joy and happiness with cheerful celebrations of Holi. From temple towns to metropolitan cities, people enjoyed the festivities by exchanging sweets, applying colour (gulal), offering prayers, and celebrating the victory of good over evil.

Holi was celebrated in India across different states and regions with great enthusiasm and joy. In Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath celebrated holi with common people at Ghantaghar Chauraha in Gorakhpur. CM Yogi Adityanath expressed happiness over the joyful atmosphere brought on the occassion of Holi, highlighting how such a festival is bringing in joy and enthusiasm while the world is in disarray. People in Vrindavan and Mathura celebrated Holi with full joy, dance and music. In Prayagraj, a large number of people gather at Loknath Chauraha to dance and celebrate Holi.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Ramanand Kushwaha, authorities received information about the incident at around 4:15 am. The accident involved a van travelling from Delhi to Dholpur in Rajasthan and a double-decker bus heading from Noida to Gorakhpur.

DM Chandra Prakash Singh, while speaking to ANI, said, "This is extraordinary, unforgettable. It feels as though Lord Krishna himself is playing Holi. The devotees are pleased with the preparations made here under the Chief Minister's directions.

According to folklore, Lathmar Holi symbolises the playful exchange between Krishna's village, Nandagaon, and Radha's village, Barsana. It is believed that Krishna, along with his friends, visited Barsana to tease Radha and her companions, who playfully responded by chasing them away with sticks (lathis).