Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], April 8 (HBTV): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while participating in the Holi Milan ceremony at Gorakhnath Temple, said that there is no discrimination in the celebration of festivals, emphasising unity and inclusivity during Holi.
Addressing the gathering, he said, 'Today is the great festival of Holi. Wherever Sanatanis live across the entire country and the world, they have celebrated this festival of colours with great enthusiasm and excitement. Only those who have not experienced Holi question the superiority of the Sanatan Dharma. Those who say there is discrimination here should join in Holi and see where the discrimination is. No one is small, no one is big, no one is untouchable. Everyone celebrates Holi by coming together.'
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that while the world is facing terrorism and unrest, India remains safe and confident due to pride in its values and leadership. 'While explosions and terrorism are spreading around the world, humanity is suffering and anarchy is at its peak, we Indians are safe because we feel proud of the country, its leadership and the divine avatars,' he said.
Earlier, he highlighted the positive atmosphere during Holi celebrations, noting that the festival brings joy and enthusiasm even as parts of the world face instability.
Addressing the Lord Narasimha Shobha Yatra, he praised the leadership in India, stating, 'We are celebrating this festival of Holi in India at a time when the entire world is in disarray, unrest and an atmosphere of anarchy. But India, under its leadership, is enjoying this festival with joy and enthusiasm,' adding that there is no fear or distrust.
He extended greetings to the people, describing Holi as a symbol of India’s thousand-year-old legacy being carried forward with renewed energy. 'I extend heartfelt greetings to everyone. Preserving this thousand-year-old legacy, India’s ancestors have handed it over to us. The current generation is carrying this forward with the same energy. The entire state is connecting to this holy festival,' he said.
He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for integrating heritage with progress and advancing the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
'Uttar Pradesh and the entire country is walking ahead with confidence today; we can see a Naya Bharat — an India which is moving towards being Viksit Bharat. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the country has become a part of heritage and progress. We can take pride in the fact that in the Azadi ka Amritkaal, we have received the guidance of a leader like PM Modi. Under his leadership, India is realising the dreams of being a Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' he said.
Holi marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season and is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, symbolising the triumph of good over evil. The festival begins with the ritual of Holika Dahan, followed by celebrations where people play with colours.
(ANI)