Madhya Pradesh Church Encourages Christians to Join Holi Celebrations

Divine Word Father Roy Thomas (far left in shirt) joins young people smearing colored paint on each other to celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, in Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh, on March 2. ucanews.com

In a bid to maintain unity and harmony in the country, a Catholic Church leader in Madhya Pradesh has encouraged Christians to join Hindus in celebrating Holi on March 2.

"It is a festival of joy and unity, peace and harmony for all India," said Leo Cornelio Bhopal Archbishop.

He wished "happiness and prosperity to our Hindu brethren" in an attempt to build inter-religious amity by promoting the festivals of each faith.

Archbishop Cornelio, who is also a chief of the state bishops' council, urged for "maintaining unity and harmony in the country" in a special festive message he delivered.

"The entire Christian community is with the majority community promising our support for all forms of universal brotherhood," he said.