New Delhi (Sputnik) — Indians, both in the country, as well as abroad, celebrated Holi on Monday, also known as the “festival of colours.” Associated with the romance of the Indian mythological God Krishna and his girlfriends in the village of Gokul, near present day Mathura city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Holi is also celebrated as the “festival of love.”
The ancient Hindu religious festival is not only celebrated in India, but has also become popular with non-Hindus, expatriate communities in India and parts of South Asia, and other communities outside Asia.
Holi celebrations in most parts of India start on the night before Holi with a bonfire where people gather, do religious rituals in front of the bonfire, and pray that their internal evil should be destroyed as the bonfire starts.
The next morning is celebrated with colors, where participants play, chase and color each other with dry powder and coloured water, with some carrying water guns and coloured water-filled balloons.
In the evening, after sobering up, people dress up and visit friends and family.
Both the Indian President and Prime Minister shared their Holi greetings with the people of India. For PM Narendra Modi, this time Holi is even sweeter with his party winning a massive mid-term mandate in assembly polls in five states.
Indian cricketers, Bollywood stars, and people from all walks of life celebrated and shared their Holi greetings.
होली के पावन पर्व की सभी को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। Greetings on the festival of colours, Holi. May the festival spread joy & warmth everywhere.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 13 марта 2017 г.
Happy Holi to everyone. Be happy and high on life. pic.twitter.com/qL0eR9Uqif
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) 13 марта 2017 г.
People celebrate the festival of colors #Holi at the Indian consulate in #Dubai pic.twitter.com/rTyq1YPwSc
— Doordarshan News (@DDNewsLive) 13 марта 2017 г.
Happy Holi, everyone! Aaj khoob khele hum Sab! ☺ pic.twitter.com/b962Rae2J2
— Dipa Karmakar (@DipaKarmakar) 13 марта 2017 г.
