Hindu devotees in the northern town of Barsana in Uttar Pradesh celebrated ‘Laddoo Holi’ on Tuesday (24 February), a traditional pre-Holi ritual honouring the Hindu deity Krishna.
Thousands gathered as flower petals, coloured powder and wrapped laddoos (traditional Indian ball-shaped dessert) were thrown into the air in scenes of jubilation. Devotees danced to music, caught the sweets from balconies and joined in the festivities marking the lead-up to the festival of colours.
A devotee from Nandgaon said the town of Barsana had formally invited residents to take part in the celebration.
“They sent an invitation to Nandgaon. They invited us to come to Barsana and enjoy playing Laddoo Holi. Today, hundreds of thousands of devotees have gathered here. It is truly a day of great joy and celebration,” he said.
Another devotee, who travelled from Haridwar in Uttarakhand, described the festival as a blessing.
“I am feeling immense joy. Laddoo Holi is a festival. It is happiness. It is the blessing of Radha Rani that she has called us here and given us the opportunity to take part today. We have brought about one and a quarter quintal of laddoos, prepared and packed to offer here,” he said.
Police personnel were seen moving through the large crowds as celebrations continued.
Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, will be celebrated on 4 March this year, with the traditional Holika Dahan bonfire observed the previous evening on 3 March.
A top security official in Donald Trump’s administration has resigned, saying Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States...
As the U.S.–Israel war with Iran enters its third week, disruption is spreading well beyond the battlefield. Analysts say the conflict is alr...
More than 400 people were reportedly killed after a Pakistani airstrike hit a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabu...
China has announced it will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, as a widening conflict in the Middle East ...
Azerbaijan has dispatched a fresh shipment of humanitarian aid to neighbouring Iran, in what officials describe as a continued effort to suppo...
China has announced it will provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, as a widening conflict in the Middle East drives increasing civilian suffering and displacement across the region.
Azerbaijan has dispatched a fresh shipment of humanitarian aid to neighbouring Iran, in what officials describe as a continued effort to support a “friendly nation” during a period of need.
A Kyrgyz investigation has linked more than $45m in losses at state oil firm Kyrgyzneftegaz between 2021 and 2025 to intermediary schemes allegedly tied to the circle of former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev.
When a NATO-led coalition helped to overthrow Muhammar Qaddafi’s dictatorship in Libya in 2011, it looked like the sun had risen on a new era. But within years, the nation was gripped by a second civil war, declining living standards and collapsing institutions. Could Iran follow suit?
The other evening, I was fuelling my car at a petrol station in Kenya’s capital. It was one of those small moments most motorists barely notice. The attendant filled the tank, I glanced at the pump price, paid, and drove off.
Morocco has been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Senegal stripped of their title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
President Donald Trump said NATO is making a “very foolish mistake” by refusing to help the U.S. as Israel Katz claimed Ali Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes.
Kouri Richins, a U.S. woman who penned a children’s book about bereavement after the death of her husband has been found guilty of killing him.
Polish fighter jets intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea on Friday (13 March), according to Poland’s Operational Command.
'One Battle After Another' tops the Oscars with 6 awards, followed by 'Sinners' which takes 4, 'Frankenstein' 3 and Netflix's most-watched film in its history, 'KPop Demon Hunters' winning 2. There was also the rare event of a tie.
The Academy Awards nominations have been announced, with the crime drama Sinners leading the race securing a record 16 nominations ahead of the ceremony set for 15 March. The event, which honours the film industry’s top achievements over the past year, will be hosted by comedian Conan O'Brien.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
Palestinian actor Motaz Malhees has said a U.S. travel ban is preventing him from attending the 2026 Academy Awards this Sunday (15 March), where a film in which he stars is nominated for best international feature.
Netflix has announced a sequel to the hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters, with director Maggie Kang saying she is excited to show audiences what more is in store.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment