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In pictures: India’s festival of colours

Millions in India and Nepal take part in Holi, marking the beginning of spring.

Holi is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by Hindus across India and Nepal.
Holi is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by Hindus across India and Nepal.
By 
Showkat Shafi
27 Mar 2013

Holi, the festival of colours celebrated in South Asia, marks the beginning of spring.

One of the biggest festivals celebrated by Hindus in India and Nepal, the celebrations witness people smearing and splashing different colours and water on their friends and loved ones. The festivities continue for two days in most places, but in the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, they last for a week.

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, and the festival shows the pure love between him and Radha. It is said that Krishna often complained about Radha’s fair complexion, and would playfully colour her face, hence the tradition of playing with colours during Holi.

Every year, thousands of people from around the world come to the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan to see the grand celebrations that take place in various temples. In other areas, people also go to the houses of their loved ones to celebrate the holiday, while children enjoy a day off from school.

The celebrations witness people smearing and splashing different colours and water on their friends and loved ones.
The celebrations witness people smearing and splashing different colours and water on their friends and loved ones.
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Students in the city of Vrindavan, about 140 kilometres from New Delhi. Thousands of people walk barefoot for miles to join Holi revelry at the famous Banke Bihari temple.
Students in the city of Vrindavan, about 140 kilometres from New Delhi. Thousands of people walk barefoot for miles to join Holi revelry at the famous Banke Bihari temple.
Children enjoy the festival as they play with colours and water guns.
Children enjoy the festival as they play with colours and water guns.
Holi also marks the beginning of spring.
Holi also marks the beginning of spring.
Children enjoy a day off from school on Holi.
Children enjoy a day off from school on Holi.
The festivities continue for two days in most places.
The festivities continue for two days in most places.
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But in the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Holi celebrations last for a week.
But in the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, Holi celebrations last for a week.
Every year, thousands of people from around the world come to the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan to see the grand celebrations that take place in various temples.
Every year, thousands of people from around the world come to the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan to see the grand celebrations that take place in various temples.
A boy poses like Krishna during Holi celebrations.
A boy poses like Krishna during Holi celebrations.
A little girl rides on a tractor with her father as they take part in the colourful festival.
A little girl rides on a tractor with her father as they take part in the colourful festival.
Revelers dance to songs and beats of the dhol, a kind of drum.
Revelers dance to songs and beats of the dhol, a kind of drum.
Holi is celebrated by all age groups.
Holi is celebrated by all age groups.
The festival of Holi is known for spirit of energy, unity and love. Two women apply color on each other during Holi celebrations.
The festival of Holi is known for spirit of energy, unity and love. Two women apply color on each other during Holi celebrations.
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