KARACHI: Members of the Hindu community all over the world are observing two-day-long Holi (Festival of Color) marking the arrival of spring, celebrating fertility, love, and triumph of good over evil.

Since Holi is celebrated following the lunar calendar, its dates change year on year. Holi has been mentioned in classic literature. For instance, 4th-century poetry as well as prose like Ratnaval (a 7th-century play).
Holi is an event that has two parts: First day it is observed as Holika Dahan and second day it is celebrated as Rangwali Holi.
Holika Dahan: According to Hindu scriptures god Vishnu helped burn the devil Holika to death. Hence a symbolic pyre is ignited on the first day of Holi symbolically signifying the triumph of good over evil.

Rangwali Holi: It is celebrated the next morning. People, drenched in water, throw gulal (colored powder) on each other.

In his message PM Shehbaz Sharif stated: “As Pakistanis we take pride in the multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious characteristics of our society.
“Let us commemorate this day with a resolve to celebrate our differences as strengths.
“May the arrival of spring bring new beginnings, hope, and happiness to us all. Happy Holi to all who celebrate!”

President Asif Ali Zardari, maintaining that Holi symbolized triumph of good over evil, reminded that the Constitution of Pakistan guaranteed religious freedom.
Newspakistan.tv