Crowds gather to celebrate Holi, the Indian festival of colours
Millions of Indians are celebrating Holi, the festival of colours.
The spring festival symbolises the victory of good over evil and marks the end of winter.
People light a bonfire, smear or spray friends and family members with colour and water, and feast on traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.
It’s one of India’s biggest festivals, with millions returning to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones.
The festival honours the divine love of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, and boisterous celebrations are held in the northern Indian cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, believed to be their birthplace.
Historical texts suggest the festival has long been celebrated to mark good harvests and seek fertile land.
Getty Images
The spring festival marks the end of winter
Getty Images
People smear bright colours on friends and family
Getty Images
Politicians like Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal state, join the festivities
Getty Images
A bonfire is lit during Holi as a symbol of the victory of good over evil
Getty Images
Indians buy traditional sweets for the celebrations
AFP
At a temple in Vrindavan, widows celebrate Holi, dancing and applying colours on each other’s faces
Getty Images
The fun festival is a firm favourite of many Indian children
Getty Images
A priest dances in north India’s Vrindavan city, which holds special celebrations on the day because of its connections with deities Krishna and Radha