Holika Dahan, Holi Milan celebrated in Mussoorie

By Sunil Sonker Mussoorie, 2 Mar: This year, the festival of Holi is being celebrated with great enthusiasm, excitement, and social harmony in Mussoorie. On the occasion of Chhoti Holi, a grand Holika Dahan ceremony was held at Pale Chowk.
The organising committee began preparations early in the morning. Holika was set up with colourful decorations and traditional rituals. By evening, a large number of local residents, including women, elderly, and youth, gathered. Devotees worshipped Holika Maiya and prayed for the country’s happiness, prosperity, and the destruction of sins. The Holika Dahan ceremony was performed amid chanting and cheering. The atmosphere remained devotional and joyous.Meanwhile, Municipal Council President Meera Saklani organised a Holi Milan programme at the Town Hall in Mussoorie. People from different areas of the city and from all religions participated enthusiastically. Applying gulal and wishing each other a Happy Holi conveyed a message of mutual brotherhood and harmony.
On the occasion, Municipal Council President Meera Saklani said that Mussoorie is a city of all colours. It is like a bouquet where different types of flowers coexist, enhancing its beauty. Similarly, in Mussoorie, people of all religions and castes come together and celebrate each other’s festivals with joy. The festival of Holi is a symbol of social unity and harmony.Referring to her one-year tenure, so far, she said that with the cooperation of the public, continuous work is being done for the development of Mussoorie. She stated that Mussoorie Mall Road has been made a vendor zone-free zone, and street vendors have been permanently relocated. Iron dividers have been installed to prevent illegal parking, facilitating smooth traffic flow. Meera Saklani added that soon, cycle rickshaws will be removed from Mussoorie, replacing them with golf carts. However, the interests of rickshaw pullers will be fully taken care of so that their livelihoods are not affected. She also stated that under his leadership, the municipality is continuously progressing towards development. Targeting the opposition, she said that they are making unnecessary accusations out of frustration with the development work. However, the people of Mussoorie have elected her for development, and she would continue to work for the benefit of all sections of society. She added that with the BJP’s ‘third engine’ installed in Mussoorie, work is progressing rapidly under various schemes for the overall development of all sections of society.
Tourists also enjoyed the colours along with the locals. Mussoorie was awash with colours amidst the beats of drums, abeer-gulal, and folk songs.