Lok Sabha Candidates In Bengal Embrace Holi Celebrations With People On The Streets

Across West Bengal, leaders from various political factions, including the TMC, BJP, and CPI(M), adorned in hues of 'gulaal', immersed themselves in the festivities of 'Dol Yatra'.

New Delhi: The vibrant festival of Holi transcended beyond its traditional joyous celebrations on Monday , as candidates tried to make the most of the occasion to connect with the people in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections. Across West Bengal, leaders from various political factions, including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and CPI(M), adorned in hues of 'gulaal', immersed themselves in the festivities of 'Dol Yatra' with common people on the streets.

In Barrackpore constituency, TMC candidate Partha Bhowmick beat the 'dhol' at the head of a procession celebrating Holi. Meanwhile, his rival from the BJP, Arjun Singh, visited the revered Boro Maa Kali temple in Naihati to offer prayers.

In the Baghajatin area of the Jadavpur constituency, CPI(M)'s young contender Srijan Bhattacharyya engaged with locals, spreading the joy of Holi and fostering connections with the community, reported PTI.

No Political Color On HOli

Despite their political affiliations, many leaders chose to participate in the festivities without displaying any political symbols or slogans. , claimed that politics was given a go-by on this day to celebrate the festival of colours and they were connecting with the people as fellow citizens. "Today is the day of celebration and nothing else", BJP corporator Sajal Ghosh said.

State minister Sovandeb Chattopadhyay enthusiastically joined locals in singing during the Holi celebrations in his constituency, embracing the spirit of the festival as people adorned him with 'gulaal'. Meanwhile, Tapas Roy, who recently joined the BJP from TMC, and was named the saffron party's candidate from Kolkata North constituency, actively engaged in connecting with the community during the festivities.

In Bengal, Holi is known by the name of 'Dol Jatra', 'Dol Purnima' or the 'Swing Festival'. The festival is celebrated in a dignified manner by placing the idols of Krishna and Radha on a decorated palanquin which is then taken round the main streets of the city, as per Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India.