Guwahati: City police have put a restriction on rain dance programmes during Holi and warned of strict action against organisers violating the order.

Guwahati police commissioner Hiren Chandra Nath on Wednesday said such functions had earlier created law-and-order problems.

The rain dance programmes were usually organised in Fancy Bazar.

"In 2016, we did not allow rain dance programmes and the restriction will be imposed this year as well. These programmes had earlier created a law-and-order situation. We will also carry out an extensive drive against drink driving," Nath said.

In an order on Wednesday, Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi declared Friday as a holiday within the jurisdiction of Kamrup (metro) district. All financial institutions will remain closed on the day, the order said.

Inmates of Sishu Sarothi, a school for special children, celebrated Holi on its campus at Birubari here on Wednesday where children and teachers put colours on each other.

In Barpeta district, people will celebrate Holi for five days with programmes in the xatra.

Religious processions and various cultural programmes will be organised on all the days.

The district administration has declared Friday as a local holiday. The district administration and the organising committees have beefed up security in Barpeta town and around the xatra along with other arrangements.

Governor Mukhi, chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, industries and commerce minister Chandra Mohan Patowary on Wednesday greeted the people of the state on Holi.

Sonowal urged the people to forget all differences, embrace and spread the message of unity to make the state stronger.

"May the celebrations of the festival of colours strengthen our age-old bonhomie, universal brotherhood and camaraderie among all sections of the people of Assam," the chief minister said.

Additional reporting by Sunil Das in Barpeta