The Hindu festival this celebrated as a way to welcome spring. It is also an invocation for a good spring harvest season.
Photo: GETTY IMAGESHoli celebrates Lord Krishna & the legend of Holika & Prahlad. It marks the triumph of good over evil. Rituals include praying around the bonfire (Holika dehen).
There is singing & dancing around the bonfire. People throw roasting grains, coconut, chickpeas in the fire.
You celebrate Holi by smearing the faces of your friends & family with powdered coloured dye and splash water on each other.
Photo: GETTY IMAGESHoli is mainly celebrated in India and Nepal. The Indian diaspora abroad also celebrates this festival joyously.
Photo: GETTY IMAGESA few of the best places to celebrate Holi in a grand way in India are Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Agra, Udaipur, Pushkar, Jaipur.
Photo: GETTY IMAGESBreaking away from oppressive tradition, widows in Vrindavan celebrate Holi in the Gopinath temple.
Photo: INDIA TODAY/ CHANDRADEEP KUMARPopular Holi dish is 'gujiya' - a sweet fried dumpling stuffed with dried fruits & thickened milk. 'Thandai' & 'bhaang' are also enjoyed on this day.
Photo: UNSPLASH/PRCHI PALWE'Kanji Vada' is another dish that is served on this festival. It is lentil fritters in fermented mustard water. People also enjoy desserts like Kalakand.
Photo: GETTY IMAGESApply coconut oil & sunscreen on face & body before you go out to play with colours. Oil your hair before so that colours are easily washable.
Photo: UNSPLASH/ DEANNA ALYS