Colourful powders for sale during the festival of Holi

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The flying colours of Holi. Holi festival

The ancient Hindu festival of Holi symbolises the triumph of good over evil and celebrates the end of winter, the start of spring and the blossoming of love. It’s a time for affirming friendships, burying old grievances, and letting romance bloom. It is also sometimes known as the Festival of Colours – and for good reason.

The festival is famous for its vibrant audience-participation element. People sprinkle one another with colourful powders, typically made by dyeing rice flour or corn starch. Water is tossed into the mix by way of water guns and water balloons and the result is kaleidoscopic.

Although chiefly celebrated in India, Holi has spread around the world. In a festival marked by singing, dancing, eating and non-stop merriment, it’s easy to see why word spread quickly.