Millions of Indians celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, sprinkling red, green, blue and pink powder on each other, dancing and sharing food and drinks with family and friends.
Holi marks the arrival of spring in India, Nepal and other South Asian countries as well as in the diaspora. It celebrates the divine love between the Hindu god Krishna and his wife Radha, and symbolizes a time of rebirth and rejuvenation, embracing the positive and letting go of negative energy.
Across the country, people – some dressed all in white – celebrated by pouring colored powder on each other, while others released water balloons filled with colored paint from balconies. Many used handguns to chase away fellow revelers in parks and others danced to music playing from speakers in the streets.
Food and drink are a big part of the celebration. Vendors in some parts of India sell thandai – a traditional drink prepared by mixing it with milk, dry fruits and sometimes bhang.
Bhang is a paste made by grinding the leaves of the hemp plant, which is used in drinks and traditional snacks. There are also cakes, biscuits and chocolates containing cannabis. Its sale and consumption is permitted under Indian law, although some states have banned it.
In some parts of India, people light large bonfires the night before Holi to celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Holi traditions differ across the country.
Last week, in preparation for the festival, hundreds of women in two northern cities celebrated by hitting men with wooden sticks in response to groping as part of a ritual. Known as “Lathmar Holi” (stick Holi), it attracts a large number of residents and tourists.
