Tourists rush to Mussoorie for Holi, Easter

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Tourists rush to Mussoorie

for Holi, Easter

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, March 23

A heavy rush of tourists due to Holi and Easter holidays falling together this year has brought cheer on the faces of traders and hoteliers in Mussoorie.

The tourists from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana have begun arriving in the town to spend time with their families and enjoy the festive holidays amid the cool climes of Mussoorie.

The business is looking up due to the Easter celebrations that fall in the coming weekend.

Ranjit Bhatia, a tourist from Delhi, reached Mussoorie today. He said most of business houses would remain close on the occasion of Holi in Delhi so he thought it would be better to head for the nearest hill station to enjoy the festivities.

Ajay Bhargav, executive committee member of the Mussoorie Hotel Association, said most of the hotels had 50 per cent occupancy today and the things were expected to look further up in the next few days. He hoped that the weekend would bring in good business prospects for them.

The administration is also gearing up for the probable mad rush of tourists to the town. The police have made special arrangements to tackle hooliganism and control traffic in case of a rush of vehicles, said Station In charge, Mussoorie police station, KS Namboori.

Residents and tourists were seen doing last minute shopping for sweets and colours for Holi.

With only a day left, the children were seen playing Holi on the streets and women folk were collecting pieces of wood for bonfire. They then prayed for the wellbeing of their families.

Later in the evening, tourists joined in the burning of holy bonfires that were set up at prominent crossroads in the town.

The bonfire ‘Holika Dhahan’ is a symbolic depiction of victory of faith over obstacles. According to a legend, the bonfire (Holika Dahan or burning of demoness Holika) is considered auspicious by the Hindus.