Holi celebration in Jaipur, India

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Holi colour splash. Holi celebration in Jaipur, India

Strolling through the streets of India during Holi is like stepping into a kaleidoscope of colours—vivid splashes of blue, green, red, yellow, pink and orange fill the air. This festival falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna—usually in late February or March. It is a significant tradition that symbolises the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil. Outside India, Holi is celebrated by Hindus in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, as well as by Indian communities around the world, including in countries like the United Kingdom.

The festivities start this evening, with Holika Dahan, when people burn the effigy of the demoness Holika, representing the destruction of evil forces. Tomorrow is Rangwali Holi, which sees the streets come alive with laughter and revelry. People of all ages come together to play with colourful powders and drench each other with water. It's a time when social barriers are broken down, and everyone, regardless of age, gender or social status, joins in the merriment.