Vibrant colours, joy, mark Holi celebrations in Delhi

New Delhi, March 13 (IANS) Pink, yellow, red, purple -- the vibrant colours of Holi spread joy, as young and old celebrated the festival, smearing coloured gulal on each other and exchanging sweets in the national capital on Monday.

With shouts of "Holi Hai" and to the beat of drums, people celebrated the festival of colours across the capital.

The Delhi Police said it has made proper arrangements in case of any hooliganism during the celebrations.

Amulya Patnaik, Commissioner of Police, requested the people to obey rules for safe celebration.

"Wish all citizens of Delhi a colorful Holi. Our officers will be out on duty at your service. Request all to obey rules and let others celebrate safely," the CP tweeted.

Police had erected barricades at various points on Delhi roads to keep a check on traffic rule violators, though the usually busy roads wore a deserted look.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal celebrated the festival with party volunteers and extended greetings.

Children were enthusiastically celebrating the festival since morning in the by-lanes of their residential areas and throwing water filled balloons at passers-by from atop their buildings. Children also used 'pichkaries' (water guns) to spray coloured water on friends and strangers.

"I was eagerly waiting for Holi. I love this festival," a young child said throwing colours in the air and shouting 'Holi hai!'.

Children were also throwing watercolour-filled balloon at passers-by and saying "Bura na maano Holi hai" (Don't mind, it is Holi).

Bands of revellers could be seen going around their localities with their faces and clothes smeared in different colours.

People were seen splashing colour on each other and distributing sweets. Some were dancing to the beat of drums or Bollywood numbers and smearing each others' faces with gulal.

Many people visited the homes of relatives and friends to celebrate Holi.