New Delhi, India – The asphalt grey streets across India were caked with a splash of colours as millions of people celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi on Wednesday.
Residential areas have installed speakers playing traditional Holi music and Bollywood, while children and adults both partake in fun battles using colour powder, water balloons and water guns.
Holi signals the arrival of spring, falling on the last full moon of winter in the Hindu calendar.
It is mainly celebrated in parts of northern India and Nepal and by Hindus in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The festival has also gained international popularity with Holi parties being organised in several big cities around the world.
Holi is one of the oldest Hindu festivals. It is known for bringing people together in celebration, transcending the social barriers of religion, caste and gender.
On Wednesday, Indian leaders extended Holi wishes to the nation.
Indian President Droupadi Murmu said the festival conveyed a message of social harmony.
“This festival of colours infuses love and hope into people’s lives and strengthens mutual unity and brotherhood. My wish is that this festival brings happiness into everyone’s lives and that we all together contribute to building a developed nation,” she said in a statement on X.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent his Holi greetings.
“The festival of Holi infuses the entire atmosphere with fresh energy. This is one of its greatest qualities,” he said.
Meanwhile, in capital New Delhi strict measures were in place to ensure law and order.
DW
