AGARTALA, March 6 (TIWN): Just when counting days are left for the Holi celebration, preparations are on the peak for the festival of colours.

Shopkeepers all across the state are observed busy in arranging various colors to brighten the celebration.

Most of the shops in the city have already started to display various colours. Markets are witnessing heavy rush as preparation for the festival of colours gained momentum.

On the other hand, market and shops are filled with colors, water guns, water balloons, and various holi items.

Children are much excited for the most awaited festival of colours and shopkeepers have brought varieties of water guns (pichkari) to entice them.

On the other hand, aiming to maintain the Law and order in the State on account of the celebration of Holi Festival, all the liquor shops will remain close on March 23.

It is to be mentioned here that the festival of Holi is the annual Hindu religious festival in which people fling bright colour powders and scented water at one another.

Holi celebrates the Hindu story of Prahlada. Prahlada was a prince dedicated to the worship of Vishnu, a major Hindu god. Prahlada's father and aunt opposed his religious faith, and as punishment made him sit in the middle of a raging bonfire. Vishnu protected Prahlada, and the prince did not burn.

The colors mark both Prahlada's flickering bonfire and the bright colors associated with spring.