President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday greeted citizens on the occasion of Holi and urged to "spread happiness and share joy with the needy and downtrodden".

"Warm greetings and best wishes to all my fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Holi. Let us on this day spread happiness and share joy with the needy and downtrodden," the President tweeted.

The President also wished that the spring festival bring together the diverse hues of India and strengthen brotherhood.

"Holi is a harbinger of hope and fulfilment in our lives. May this festival of colours bring together the diverse hues of India's culture in a rainbow of unity and strengthen brotherhood and harmony amongst all our people.

"Let this year's Holi mark the beginning of a new phase of peace and prosperity in the country," he added.