New Delhi: Farmers protesting against the Centre's agricultural laws at the Ghazipur border were seen beating drums, dancing, singing, and playing Holi on Monday.
"People have been celebrating Holi since time immemorial. We are celebrating the festival here because our farmer brothers are stationed here. We are singing, dancing, and meeting up with the people," said a farmer.
Rakesh Tikait, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Kisan Union, said that the farmers want to send a message to the government that they should take back the farm laws. He also said that he is hopeful that after Diwali the problem of the farmers will be solved.
Sunita Devi, the wife of Rakesh Tikait, was also seen at the border celebrating Holi with the farmers.
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"It is not a good feeling being away from our families on Holi, but it's okay since our farmer brothers are here. I request the government to pay heed to our demands as soon as possible," he added.
Another farmer said that the festival was also being observed to remember more than 300 farmers who died during the protests.
"We are singing songs from Sambhal and Badaun traditions and celebrating the festival in memory of more than 300 farmers who died protesting against the three farm laws," he said.
He also said that not being able to celebrate Holi with their families was unfortunate but it would not dampen the spirit of the ongoing protest.
READ: 'Festival of joy, happiness and laughter': PM Modi extends Holi wishes
Meanwhile, farmers at the Shahjanpur border on the Rajasthan-Haryana border decided not to play Holi with colours and applied Tilak on each other's forehead with the soil.
They also burnt copies of the three contentious Central farm laws on Sunday on the occasion of Holika Dahan.
On Holika Dahan bonfires are lit symbolising the victory of good over evil.
READ: 'Festival of unity and goodwill': Rajnath, Shah extend Holi wishes
On the call of Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmers unions spearheading the agitation against the farm laws, farmers set copies of the laws on fire and demanded that the three legislations be repealed. Farmers have been protesting since November last year against the farm laws.
