KOLHAPUR: The festival of Holi was celebrated with cheer in the atmosphere on Wednesday in the city.Citizens lit bonfires, known as Holika Dahan , which signifies the victory of good over evil, and offered coconuts, flowers, fragrant objects, raw rice and oil lamps during the celebrations.Many areas in the city saw nature of the celebration and size of bonfires being kept low so as to support the environmental cause, a positive and welcoming change as compared to celebrations from last few years.The celebration of Holi was observed in the evening across the city. In addition to the tradition of offering sweets to the bonfire, sweets were also offered to many orphanages by various non-government organisations (NGO) and youth groups.The city-based NGO Ekati, which works towards the empowerment of underprivileged women, in its press statement said that they donated the puran poli (traditional sweet bread) to homeless people. The bread was prepared by NGO members.Another city-based NGO Nisargamitra appealed to citizens to celebrate the upcoming Rangpanchami festival (March 25) with eco-friendly colours, which are made of natural ingredients. The NGO is also offering these colours themselves.According to members of the NGO, artificial colours pose serious threat to the skin and are dangerous for people who suffer from allergies. Natural colours, on the other hand, are made of plants such as kumkum, nilmohar and henna and are pocket-friendly too.Citizens are now waiting to celebrate Rangpanchami on March 25, which falls on a Monday.

Stay updated with all the Latest Kolhapur headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.