Vrindavan widows not to celebrate Holi to mourn sad demise of Goa CM Parrikar

Hundreds of widows on Monday decided not to celebrate Holi this time in order to mourn the sad demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. Many women gathered at Gopinath temple here to pay their last respects to the deceased chief minister.

Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (SISSO) had planned to organise Holi celebrations. "However, that will not happen now due to the chief minister's death," said Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the organisation. "As a mark of respect for the departed soul, we have decided not to celebrate Holi today. All widows mourn the sad demise of our beloved leader and statesman," he said. Vrindavan's Holi celebrations in recent years have become memorable occasions for the thousands of widows, who till recent past used to face humiliation.

(With inputs from agencies.)