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Holi celebrations kick off in Vrindavan

     Vrindavan: People hurled gulal (coloured powder) at each other in Vrindavan to mark the commencement of Holi, the festival of colours, which will conclude on March 22 this year. The festival was marked by an effervescent and multihued pageant accompanied by song and dance here on Monday. The celebrations began in the main temple housing Lord Krishna and his consort Radha, as thousands of people gathered to enjoy the occasion. Residents said the tradition of the procession, which is over a century old, marks the start of the festival. Holi, a festival holding mythological importance symbolising the triumph of good over evil, is celebrated in the month of March. As per the Hindu calendar, it falls on the Phalgun Purnima (Full Moon), which will be celebrated on March 22. In this festival main emphasis is laid on the burning of Holika or lighting of Holi. The origin of the traditional lighting of Holi is attributed by some to the burning of demonesses like Holika, Holaka and Putana who troubled little children or to the burning of Madan according to others.
-Mar 4, 2008