Hundreds of thousands of individuals in South Asia celebrated Holi, the Hindu competition of colors, by smearing one another with brightly colored powder, dancing to festive music and feasting on conventional sweets ready for the event.
The raucous spring competition sees Hindus participate in a kaleidoscopic celebration of the top of winter and the triumph of excellent over evil. The competition is a nationwide vacation in India, whereas in Nepal it’s a two-day occasion that started on Thursday. It’s additionally noticed in different South Asian international locations in addition to among the many Indian diaspora.
Holi has its origins in Hindu mythology and celebrates the divine love between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha, signifying a time of rebirth and rejuvenation.
Throughout the nation, individuals dressed largely in all-white garments celebrated the competition by hurling colored powder at one another. Youngsters, perched on rooftops and balconies, flung water balloons crammed with colored pigments at passersby.
Teams of younger males additionally used water weapons to chase individuals down in public parks and on the roads, whereas others danced on the streets to music blaring from audio system.
In some locations, individuals hurled marigolds, roses and jasmine petals as an alternative of colored powder.
In lots of elements of India, individuals gentle giant bonfires the night time earlier than the competition to suggest the destruction of evil and victory of excellent. Households collect across the flames to sing, dance and pray to Hindu gods.
