Millions of Indians joyously celebrated Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors, by playfully smearing each other with red, green, blue, and pink powders, dancing, and sharing food and drinks with loved ones.
Holi symbolizes the arrival of spring not only in India but also in Nepal and other South Asian countries, signifying the victory of good over evil. Rooted in ancient mythology, it honors the divine love between the Hindu deity Krishna and his beloved Radha, representing a time of renewal and shedding negativity.
Throughout the country, people, some adorned in pristine white attire, engaged in spirited festivities, splashing colored powders and tossing water balloons filled with vibrant pigments from balconies. Some wielded squirt guns, chasing each other through parks, while others danced exuberantly in the streets to music resonating from loudspeakers.
Indulging in traditional treats is an integral part of Holi celebrations. Street vendors offered thandai, a milk-based beverage infused with dried fruits and sometimes cannabis. Bhang, derived from grinding cannabis leaves, found its way into various drinks and snacks, including cakes, biscuits, and chocolates, with its consumption legally permitted in India, albeit with some regional restrictions.
In several regions, communities ignited grand bonfires on the eve of Holi, symbolizing the triumph of righteousness over malevolence.
Holi customs vary across the nation, showcasing diverse cultural expressions. Notably, in two northern towns, women engaged in the playful “Lathmar Holi” tradition, wielding wooden sticks to lightly tap men in response to teasing, drawing crowds of locals and tourists alike.