Millions of Indians celebrated Monday the Hindu Holi festival, dancing to festive music, exchanging food and drink and smearing each other with red, green, blue and pink powder, turning the air into a joyful kaleidoscope of color.
India Celebrates Holi, Hindu Festival of Color That Marks Reawakening of Spring
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Another tradition that marks Holi is Bhang, a paste made by grinding the leaves of the cannabis plant and is used in drinks and snacks. It is connected to Hinduism, particularly to Lord Shiva, and is eaten during some religious festivals in the region. The paste's sale and consumption are permissible under Indian law, although a few states have banned it. Above, a girl shakes her head, smeared with colored powder, in Mumbai, India, March 25, 2024.
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A family takes selfie as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, March 25, 2024. In parts of India, people also lit large bonfires the night before the festival to commemorate the triumph of good over evil.
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Women dance on a street while taking part in a procession in Kolkata, India, March 25, 2024.
Holi traditions vary across India.
Last week, in preparation for the festival, hundreds of women in two northern towns celebrated by playfully hitting men with wooden sticks in response to their teasing as part of a ritual. Known as the "Lathmar Holi" (Stick Holi), it attracts a large number of visitors.
Holi traditions vary across India.
Last week, in preparation for the festival, hundreds of women in two northern towns celebrated by playfully hitting men with wooden sticks in response to their teasing as part of a ritual. Known as the "Lathmar Holi" (Stick Holi), it attracts a large number of visitors.