The vibrant Hindu festival of Holi
Gulal, the color of Holi: Gulal is the traditional name given to the colored powders used for the Holi festival.
Natural colors: A man holds a handful of vermilion powder as he gets ready to throw it to mark the commencement of Holi in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Color-coordinated: Holi is all about playing with colors—green, yellow, blue, magenta, purple, brown, and even black.
The arrival of spring: The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter.
Meet and greet: Holi is also about meeting others, joining in fun and celebration, and the reconciliation of failed relationships.
Thanksgiving: At the same time, the festival is seen as a thanksgiving opportunity to celebrate a good harvest.
A brief affair: Holi is a brief, chaotic, but hugely enjoyable affair. It lasts a night and a day, starting on the evening of the full moon.
Holika Dahan: First evening festivities commence with the burning of the demon Holika Dahan.
Burning the demon: Devotees gather in front of a bonfire where they pray and perform religious rituals.
Rangwali Holi: The following morning is celebrated as Rangwali Holi, when the colorful festivities begin in earnest.