Thousands of Indians are celebrating Holi, known as the festival of shades, at home and abroad.
The event celebrates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil.
Held on the last whole- sky day of the lunar month, the festivity sees people smearing brilliant colours on friends and family and giving prayers.
Holi is based on the Hindu myth of Holika, a feminine beast, who tries to destroy her brother Prahlad because he worships the Hindu heaven Vishnu. But Prahlad unexpectedly survives the burning fire yet as Holika is consumed by the lights.
As part of the ceremonies, fireworks are lit the night before Holi in the belief that they will eliminate the negative so that great would triumph.
In a town near Gandhinagar, the investment of Gujarat state, a great fire using 200 lots of wood was lit on Sunday night.
As it’s one of the most commonly celebrated festivals in India, millions of people travel to their communities and settlements in the days leading up to Holi.
Great processions are held in various parts of the country to tag the festival.
Individuals dance and sing and hold dinners. A common holiday is observed and universities are shut as children and adults devote the day to lively activities. Kids play with water guns, spraying brown waters on one another.
Boisterous events have also been held in the adjacent country of Nepal.
-
-
8 March 2023
-
