New Delhi: Taking a break from politics in the run up to the Lok Sabha elections, political leaders cutting across party lines today joined the nation to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi celebrated Holi at her residence where she greeted party cadres with colours and sweets.

Senior BJP leader LK Advani, party president Rajnath Singh and spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi celebrated the festival with party workers and their family members.

While Singh was seen surrounded by party workers, who applied colours on them, Singh engrossed in the celebrations by beating the drums.

“I greet everybody on the auspicious festival of Holi,” an elated Singh said. Scores of BJP activists and well-wishers thronged the residence of Advani here to greet him, though the media was not allowed inside this year.

BJP spokesperson Naqvi celebrated the festival of colours along with his family members at his residence.

“My greetings to the people of the country on Holi. May this festival bring peace and prosperity. I pray that the people’s resolve to bring in good governance in the county comes true,” he said.

The festival is celebrated to commemorate the Hindu mythological tale of Prahlada emerging unscathed from the flames despite being drawn into the fire by demoness Holika. The Hindu month of ‘Phagun’ ended yesterday with ‘Holika Dahan’ and ‘Chaita’ starting today.

Leaders of other political parties also joined Holi celebrations in the capital.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have already greeted the people on the occasion of Holi, saying the festival provided an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of unity and friendship.