QUETTA: The government of Balochistan on Sunday notified March 9 and 10 as public holidays throughout the province to mark the festival of Holi for the Hindu community. The notification, which was approved by Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani, specified that the holidays are valid only for the Hindu community.

Dinesh Kumar Palyani, parliamentary secretary on minority affairs, welcomed the decision and claimed this was happening for the first time in the history of Balochistan.

Holi is a Hindu spring festival which marks the end of winter. Revellers throw coloured powder and water at each other, dance and distribute sweets during the festivities.

Published in Dawn, March 9th, 2020