To mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring, millions of Hindus from India and elsewhere celebrate Holi, the festival of colors. The national holiday officially begins March 27, but regional variations of Holi have taken place across the country in recent weeks. Devotees dance and throw colored powders known as "gulal" at each other to welcome the warm months to come. The use of gulal, which can also be mixed with water to form a dye, has its roots in the story of the love affair between the god Krishna and Radha. According to legend, Krishna, often depicted with a blue complexion, colored the face of Radha because he was jealous of her fair complexion. Take a look at the brilliantly colorful festival:
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
