Kolkata, March 13 -- Amid reports of an alleged ban on Holi celebrations in Santiniketan, West Bengal Minister of State Birbaha Hansda on Thursday clarified that the government did not ban Holi celebrations in Santiniketan, but rather made a request.

Speaking to ANI, Hansda said, "I don't know (about the notice banning Holi). I got this information through the media. Still, I will look into it. We didn't ban Holi but just made a request. I know nothing about the notice as of now."

She added that the government has requested people to protect the environment, as the colors used during Holi contain chemicals that may harm trees.

"We have not banned Holi (in Santiniketan); we had requested the people to protect the environment. When peopl...