Millions of Indians celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, smearing each other with red, green, blue and pink powder, dancing, and sharing food and drink with family and friends.
Holi marks the arrival of spring in India, Nepal and other South Asian countries as well as in the diaspora. It celebrates the divine love between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha, and signifies a time of rebirth and renewal, embracing positive energy and shedding negative energy.
Across the country, people – some dressed all in white – celebrated by pouring colored powder on each other, while others threw water balloons filled with colorful dyes from balconies. Many of them used shotguns to chase fellow revelers in parks, and others danced in the streets to music blaring from loudspeakers.
Food and drink are a big part of the celebrations. Sellers in parts of India sell thandai, a traditional drink prepared with milk and dried fruits to which cannabis can sometimes be added.
Bhang, a paste made from grinding cannabis leaves, is used in traditional drinks and snacks. There are also cakes, biscuits and chocolates filled with bhang. Its sale and consumption is permitted under Indian law, although some states have banned it.
In parts of India, people light large bonfires the night before Holi to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
Holi traditions vary across the country.
Last week, in preparation for the festival, hundreds of women in two northern cities celebrated by beating men with wooden sticks in response to their harassment as part of a ritual. Known as Lathmar Holi (Holly Stick), it attracts a large number of residents and tourists.
