Crowds gather to celebrate Holi, the Indian festival of coloursMillions 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 ImagesThe spring festival marks the end of winterGetty ImagesPeople smear bright colours on friends and familyGetty ImagesPoliticians like Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal state, join the festivitiesGetty ImagesA bonfire is lit during Holi as a symbol of the victory of good over evilGetty ImagesIndians buy traditional sweets for the celebrations AFPAt a temple in Vrindavan, widows celebrate Holi, dancing and applying colours on each other’s facesGetty ImagesThe fun festival is a firm favourite of many Indian childrenGetty ImagesA priest dances in north India’s Vrindavan city, which holds special celebrations on the day because of its connections with deities Krishna and Radha
India comes alive with the festival of colours
