Hindus, Muslims celebrate 'Holi Baraat'

By IANS,

Lucknow: Hundreds of Hindus and Muslims celebrated Holi together by taking out the decades-old procession 'Holi Baraat' -- to send out a message of peace and brotherhood Sunday.

Accompanied by decorated horse chariots, the revellers danced to the beats of drums amidst ecstatic shouts of 'Holi Hai!'.

Those seated on the chariots threw gulal or coloured powder as the procession passed through different areas of the Chowk.

"Holi Baraat is one of the oldest processions in the city. It's just not a procession but a festive mix of communities to spreads the message of brotherhood," Lucknow Mayor Dinesh Sharma told reporters here.

Muslims in the Chowk locality traditionally make a stockpile of rose petals and garlands on Holi eve. They shower the flowers on Hindus as they come out for the Holi Baraat.

"For 42 years we have celebrated Holi in this manner. You can say it has become a tradition. Muslims shower petals on us. In response, we garland them," Chowk resident Vivek Tangri said.

The procession starts from the Koneshwar Temple passes through various localities of Old Lucknow as more and more people join the festivities.

"As the procession continues, Muslims welcome the Hindus by offering sweets and paan," said Shahdab, who owns a garment store in Chowk area.