“Forces Have Tried to Obstruct Festivals Like Holi & Kumbh, But They Continue Uninterrupted,” Says UP CM
Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh), March 14: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday strongly asserted that attempts to obstruct India’s cultural and religious festivals, such as Holi, Diwali, and Maha Kumbh, have failed, emphasizing that these traditions will continue to thrive.
Speaking at a Holi Milan program in Gorakhpur, CM Yogi reflected on the centuries of oppression India endured, yet how its faith and traditions have remained unshaken.
🗣️ “The country has suffered slavery for centuries. We have witnessed how invaders tried to hurt our faith, and even today, forces attempt to stop festivals like Holi and Diwali and obstruct events like Maha Kumbh. But no one has ever succeeded. Our traditions continue uninterrupted,” CM Yogi stated.
🔹 Holi as a Symbol of Unity & Sanatan Dharma
The UP CM emphasized the strength of Sanatan Dharma, stating that festivals like Holi send a strong message of unity, love, and cultural harmony.
🗣️ “Those who always try to divide Sanatan Dharma in the name of caste, religion, region, and language must now realize that after Maha Kumbh, Holi has given them another answer. Today, every follower of Sanatan Dharma is hugging each other, applying colours, and celebrating together—this is our strength,” he posted on X.
CM Yogi’s remarks also came amid controversy surrounding West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s claim that the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government had banned Holi celebrations at Santiniketan’s Sonajhuri Haat.
🛕 “A United India Will Be a Developed India”
During his address, CM Yogi emphasized the need for national unity, stating that India’s path to becoming a developed nation lies in its unity.
🗣️ “Sanatan Dharma has only one proclamation: Where there is Dharma, there will be victory. PM Modi has given the vision of a developed India, and this can only happen when we stand united. If we remain one, we will be the best, and no power in the world will stop us from becoming a developed nation,” he declared.
He urged citizens to dedicate all efforts towards the nation’s progress, asserting that festivals like Holi embody the essence of unity.
🌿 Traditional Celebrations at Gorakhnath Temple
🔸 CM Yogi Adityanath led the Holi celebrations at Gorakhnath Temple, performing puja and aarti at the site of Holika Dahan.
🔸 Devotees gathered in large numbers to witness the grand celebrations, which marked the beginning of the festival in Gorakhpur.
🔸 Amid chants and colours, the temple premises were filled with a spirit of joy and devotion.
📌 Holi: A Festival Beyond Borders
Holi, celebrated as the festival of colours, signifies:
✅ The triumph of good over evil (Holika Dahan)
✅ The arrival of spring and agricultural prosperity
✅ A time for social harmony, forgiveness, and new beginnings
The festival holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma, as it symbolizes the cultural and spiritual resilience of India.
As CM Yogi’s message resonates across the state, the festival continues to bring together people from all walks of life, spreading joy, colour, and the spirit of unity.