The festival honours the divine love of Hindu deities Radha and Krishna, and boisterous celebrations are held in the northern Indian cities of Mathura and Vrindavan, believed to be their birthplace.
Historical texts suggest the festival has long been celebrated to mark good harvests and seek fertile land.
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The spring festival marks the end of winter
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People smear bright colours on friends and family
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Politicians like Mamata Banerjee, chief minister of West Bengal state, join the festivities
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A bonfire is lit during Holi as a symbol of the victory of good over evil
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Indians buy traditional sweets for the celebrations
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At a temple in Vrindavan, widows celebrate Holi, dancing and applying colours on each other’s faces
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The fun festival is a firm favourite of many Indian children
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A priest dances in north India’s Vrindavan city, which holds special celebrations on the day because of its connections with deities Krishna and Radha