South Asia: Millions of people across South Asia marked Holi, the vibrant Hindu festival of colors, with joyous celebrations, drenching one another in brightly colored powder, dancing to festive tunes, and indulging in traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.
Holi, a raucous springtime festival, symbolizes the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. Rooted in Hindu mythology, it commemorates the divine love between Lord Krishna and his consort Radha, signifying a time of renewal and rejuvenation.
While India observes Holi as a national holiday, Nepal hosts a two-day celebration, and the festival is widely embraced by South Asian communities and the Indian diaspora worldwide.
Across India and Nepal, revelers clad in white took to the streets, playfully smearing each other with colored powder. Children on rooftops and balconies flung water balloons filled with vibrant pigments at passersby, while groups of young men armed with water guns chased friends through parks and public spaces. Many danced ecstatically to music blaring from loudspeakers, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
In some regions, Holi was marked with a floral twist, as celebrants replaced powders with marigold, rose, and jasmine petals, adding fragrance to the festivities.
On the eve of Holi, large bonfires were lit in many parts of India, symbolizing the destruction of evil and the victory of good. Families gathered around the flames, singing, dancing, and offering prayers to Hindu deities, invoking blessings for prosperity and happiness.
With its blend of colors, music, and tradition, Holi continues to unite people in a celebration of joy, love, and the spirit of togetherness.
