Gorakhpur, Mar 14 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday wished everyone a happy and joyful Holi, which was celebrated peacefully and harmoniously across the state, giving a strong message to those opposing Sanatan Dharma.

On the auspicious occasion of Holi, the CM attended the Holi Milan celebration at Gorakhnath Temple, where he showered flowers on the crowd, spreading joy and festivity.

Speaking at the Holi Milan event, held at Mahant Digvijaynath Smriti Bhavan Auditorium, he strongly defended Sanatan Dharma and said, "Holi itself is an answer to those who question and criticise its traditions. Those who malign Sanatan Dharma by falsely claiming it is divided by caste, sect, region, or language have received a clear response. First through the grand Maha Kumbh and now through Holi."

Yogi said, "On Holi, every Indian, every follower of Sanatan Dharma embraced one another, applied colours and gulal and strengthened India’s eternal traditions with joy and enthusiasm. This is our greatest strength."

He asserted that Sanatan Dharma is not divided and the idea of division exists only in the minds of those who try to defame it. "The real division lies in the thinking of those who spread negativity about Sanatan Dharma. Their minds are polluted," he said.

The CM reminded that India has endured centuries of foreign invasions, where invaders attempted to disrupt festivals like Holi, Diwali and grand events like Maha Kumbh, but the deep faith of Sanatanis always prevailed.

Highlighting the significance of Maha Kumbh, he said, "The world watched in amazement as over 66 crore devotees took a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam between January 13 and February 26 during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh. What seemed like a miracle to the world was just a part of the daily life and traditions of Sanatan Dharma followers, as the Kumbh tradition has been followed for thousands of years."

Yogi pointed out that Sanatan Dharma is not just a religion but a way of life, one that continuously evolves and corrects itself through festivals and traditions. He said that the sacred Ganga water from the Maha Kumbh had reached almost every Sanatan household worldwide.

He said, "Even when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mauritius, he presented the Mauritian President with holy Ganga water from the Maha Kumbh showcasing India's commitment to preserving and sharing its rich traditions globally."

The CM said that he monitored the Holi celebrations across UP, ensuring that people enjoyed the festival with joy and enthusiasm. He emphasised the importance of preserving India's age-old festival traditions.

He said, "Our festivals and celebrations are a part of our heritage, passed down through thousands of years. We have to protect them from outdated beliefs and negative influences."

He stressed the significance of faith and devotion in upholding Sanatan Dharma. "As long as we carry forward the legacy of our Rishi tradition with the same dedication and reverence, no power in the world can harm us," he said.

The Holi Milan programme saw the participation of Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Gorakhnath Temple's chief priest Yogi Kamalnath, Jagadguru Swami Santosh Das (Satuwa Baba) from Kashi, and several other saints, public representatives, and citizens. UNI AB SSP