'This is beauty of India': Union Minister as country celebrates Holi, Shab-e-Barat same day

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), March 18: As India celebrates Holi and Shab-e-Barat on the same day, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that this is the beauty of our country that the people celebrate all festivals. "This is Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Today is Shab-e-Barat also, the beauty of our country is that we celebrate all festivals," Naqvi said as he celebrated Holi at his residence in Prayagraj. Shab-e-Barat, also known as the "night of forgiveness," is observed between the 14th and 15th night of the Sha'aban, the eighth month in the Islamic Calendar and this year, the auspicious Muslim festival coincided with Holi. Shab-e-Barat will commence on the evening of March 18 and end on the evening of March 19. Also Read | Holi celebrations 2022 LIVE updates | Bollywood celebrates festival of colours; shares glimpse of their celebrations South Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as Central Asia, comprising Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan, celebrate this festival with zeal. Holi marks the start of the country's spring harvest season. People celebrate by devouring mouthwatering sweets, thandai and splashing coloured powder, water and balloons while singing "Holi Hai." With Shab-e-Barat also falling on the same day, at least 22 mosques, including prominent ones like Jama Masjid Idgah, Masjid Aishbagh, Ek Minara Masjid at Akbari Gate, Masjid Shahmina Shah and Masjid Chowk, have changed the timing of the Friday prayers pushing it after 1.30 pm. Also Read | I-T dept makes highest tax collection in history; sees nearly 50% jump -PTC News