March 4, 2026
Millions across India turned streets into a kaleidoscope Wednesday as they celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colors and the arrival of spring. Residential areas pulsed with traditional Holi songs and Bollywood tracks as children and adults engaged in playful battles with colored powder, water balloons and water guns. The festival, observed on the last full moon of winter in the Hindu calendar, is celebrated widely in northern India and Nepal and by Hindu communities in Bangladesh and Pakistan, and has become popular internationally.
Scenes from cities included Mumbai revelers smeared in vibrant powders, Kolkata participants celebrating with colors and flowers, and campus and neighborhood gatherings in Chandigarh. Traditional Holi foods such as gujiya — a flaky sweet pastry — were enjoyed as people exchanged greetings.
National leaders extended festival wishes. President Droupadi Murmu said Holi conveyed a message of social harmony and hoped it would bring happiness and unity while contributing to national development. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his Holi greetings, noting the festival’s ability to infuse fresh energy. In Delhi, authorities put strict measures in place to maintain law and order; Traffic Police were deployed at around 134 major intersections to prevent drunken driving, and officials warned of risks associated with consumption of bhang, an edible made from cannabis leaves and flowers traditionally consumed during Holi.
Meanwhile, several other major stories unfolded across India:
Meta blocks Kashmir news pages
Several prominent regional news outlets in India-administered Kashmir reported that their social media accounts had been taken down by Meta, which runs Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Outlets affected included Greater Kashmir, Kashmir Life and Rising Kashmir. Access attempts reportedly showed notices that pages were restricted to comply with a legal request under Indian law. The move drew condemnation from local political figures. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and People’s Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti criticized the action on X, urging that platforms should not silence people’s voices and calling on the J&K government to stop censoring the media. Jammu and Kashmir People Conference president Sajad Lone urged that the handles be unblocked, warning that gaps left by established institutions can be filled by unknown entities that may harm responsible media.
Kashmir protests and extended school closures
Schools and colleges across the Kashmir Division will remain closed until March 7 after protests erupted following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US and Israeli strike. The initial closure had been until March 3; authorities extended it amid ongoing demonstrations. Officials reported restrictions on movement and assembly in parts of the region and continued curbs on mobile and internet speeds. Srinagar’s Lal Chowk square was reportedly sealed. Thousands, particularly from the Shia community, have taken to the streets to mourn Khamenei; Shiite demonstrations have also occurred elsewhere in India. Shiites make up about 15% of India’s Muslim population.
India airlines to operate flights to Middle East amid tensions
India’s Civil Aviation Ministry said Indian carriers were operating flights to help stranded passengers affected by disruptions in Middle East airspace amid the US-Israel war with Iran. The ministry said 24 flights were being operated by Indian carriers on the day of the statement and that Indian carriers planned 58 flights on March 4. Of the scheduled flights, 30 were to be operated by IndiGo and 23 by Air India and Air India Express. Since the tensions escalated, the ministry reported 1,221 cancellations by Indian carriers and 388 by foreign carriers. India has emphasized the safety of its roughly 10 million citizens living and working in Gulf countries as a top priority.
Live coverage notes
Coverage began from Delhi’s Dharavi, with a scene set of colors, music and gujiya as widespread Holi festivities took place. Alongside celebration scenes, the day’s reporting followed developments from Kashmir, airline adjustments for Gulf travel, and the social media disruptions affecting regional media outlets.