Apple CEO Tim Cook joined Holi celebrations, sending wishes with a colorful photo on X and thanking Joshua Karthik for the shot. US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, extended Holi greetings via video, mentioning an American twist to traditional gujiyas with pistachios and rose water. Cook's message and Garcetti's gesture emphasized cultural connections and global festivities.

In a unique twist to wedding invitations, Nandikanti Narsimlu from Telangana's Hyderabad urged guests to vote for Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the best gift for his son's wedding. Narsimlu, hosting the wedding of his son Sai Kumar, stated, "A vote for Narendra Modi will be the best gift you can give," on the invite. This unconventional request has sparked curiosity and garnered attention in the run-up to the Lok Sabha 2024 polls. The wedding, scheduled for April 4 in Patancheru, has become a topic of conversation, emphasizing the intersection of personal celebrations and political fervor.

In Ayodhya, devotees joyously celebrated 'Rangotsav' at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir for Holi. The event commenced with applying colors to the deity in Hanumangarhi temple and attracted a large crowd for Ram Lalla's darshan. Amidst singing devotional songs, devotees embraced the colorful spirit of Holi inside the temple. Ayodhya, revered for its connection with Lord Ram, is hosting a spirited Holi celebration. Nationwide, Holi, observed on March 25, unites people in joy and love, featuring shared sweets and the traditional Holika Dahan bonfires, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

Trinamool's Mahua Moitra gears up to reclaim Krishnanagar Lok Sabha seat against BJP's debutant Amrita Roy, a local royal matriarch. Roy's surprise nomination adds spice to the electoral mix, alongside unexpected choices like Kangana Ranaut and Arun Govil in other constituencies. Moitra's past expulsion and recent CBI raids at her Kolkata residence inject drama into the contest. With BJP yet to announce its candidate for Krishnanagar, Moitra takes a swipe at their delay tactics. As anticipation mounts, Krishnanagar emerges as a focal point in the upcoming electoral showdown.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and rain, signaling unsettled conditions ahead. Although today brings sunny spells and lighter winds, Tuesday onwards spells trouble for Aberdeenshire, Inverness, and the Highlands with travel disruptions expected. Snow is forecasted for areas like the North Pennines, Ayrshire, and the Lake District later in the week. This warning advises caution and preparedness, as winter weather may persist despite the onset of spring. Stay informed for any updates on weather advisories to ensure safety during potential disruptions.

Arizona State University's Indian Students' Association (ISA) organized a vibrant Holi celebration, drawing approximately 2,000 attendees from diverse cultural backgrounds. The event, held at ASU's Tempe SDFC grass field, showcased the spirit of inclusivity and connection through colorful festivities. Participants emphasized Holi's significance as a symbol of cultural exchange and unity, fostering friendships and spreading positivity. ISA member Arin Shaw highlighted the association's role in enriching campus life by sharing Indian culture. Amid global conflicts, Holi serves as a social reminder to let go of negativity and embrace relationships.

Actor Taapsee Pannu exchanged vows with her longtime partner, badminton player Mathias Boe, in a private ceremony held in Udaipur on March 23. Attended by close friends and family, including celebrities like Anurag Kashyap and Kanika Dhillon, the event marked the culmination of their decade-long relationship. Pannu is rumored to host a celebration in Mumbai soon. The couple, who met in 2013, kept their relationship low-key but shared glimpses of their joyous occasion on social media.

Hindus worldwide celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colours, today, March 25. Holika Dahan was observed on March 24 night. Known as Dhulandi or Rangowali Holi, the festival signifies the arrival of Spring and the end of Winter. People play with colours, water, and indulge in traditional sweets like Gujiya and Thandai. Holi holds religious significance, symbolizing the love between Lord Krishna and Radha and the triumph of good over evil. According to mythology, Krishna playfully applied colours to Radha's face, initiating the Holi tradition. The festivities continue with dance, music, and joyous gatherings.

During the Holi celebration, a fire broke out in the sanctum sanctorum of Ujjain's Mahakal Temple, injuring 13 priests, including Chief Priest Sanjay Guru. Eyewitnesses reported that 'gulal' thrown as part of the festivities may have triggered the fire. Nine critically injured individuals were referred to Indore for treatment. Ujjain Collector Neeraj Kumar Singh confirmed the incident, ordering a magisterial probe. Union Minister Amit Shah and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav expressed concern and assured assistance for the injured, while investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. [Video Courtesy: ANI/X]

As India gears up for Holi celebrations, the first lunar eclipse of 2024 coincides with the festival, beginning at 10:23 am on March 25. The penumbral eclipse, lasting 4 hours and 39 minutes, will be visible to North and South America but not to observers in India. Religious activities remain unrestricted during the eclipse, with temple doors open. Lunar eclipses occur twice yearly as the moon passes through Earth's shadow, appearing to darken. This celestial event precedes a total solar eclipse on April 8, marking a significant period for skywatchers and festival enthusiasts alike.