Like other parts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, people across the Chenab Valley celebrated the festival of colours—Holi—with great enthusiasm, religious fervour and gaiety on Wednesday, amid tight security arrangements. People, especially children, took delight in spraying coloured water on each other. From early morning, streets and localities resembled a vibrant canvas of colours, which is why Holi is popularly known as the “Festival of Colours.” From the early hours, youths were seen sprinkling colours on one another in streets, parks, bazaars and roadsides. Amid celebrations, people danced to the beating of drums and exchanged greetings while offering sweets to each other. At Bhaderwah, a special function was organised at the New Bus Stand, Kotli Bhaderwah, where a large number of people thronged to participate in the mega celebrations after a gap of two years. People from all age groups—including children, youth and elders—visited their respective temples to offer prayers before joining the festivities. While extending Holi greetings, locals expressed hope that the festival would usher in peace and prosperity across the nation. A local resident, Rohit Wazir, said that Holi signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and the end of winter. He added that the festival promotes unity, forgiveness and the mending of broken relationships, and is also celebrated as a thanksgiving for a good harvest. To prevent any untoward incident, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around Bhaderwah town. Additional deployments of Police, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police and Central Reserve Police Force were made at sensitive locations. Meanwhile, other parts of the Chenab Valley, including Ramban, Batote, Doda, Gandoh, Kishtwar and adjoining areas, also celebrated Holi with similar enthusiasm, religious fervour and joy.