Celebrating Holi - the Hindu festival brings its array of colours to India and elsewhere

BBC News - WorldEN 2 min read 100% complete March 4, 2026 at 01:59 AM

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Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is being celebrated in India, Nepal, and by the Indian diaspora worldwide. This spring festival marks the end of winter and celebrates the victory of good over evil, rooted in the legend of Holika and Prahlad. Celebrations involve prayers, the smearing of bright colors on loved ones, traditional foods and sweets like gujiya, and the drinking of thandai. Bonfires are lit the evening before Holi to symbolize the destruction of evil. In northern Indian cities like Mathura and Vrindavan, celebrations are particularly vibrant due to their association with the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Kenya 40% Mathura 50% Radha 50% Vishnu 50% Prahlad ×260% Nepal ×260% Vrindavan ×260% Krishna ×260% Holika ×260% India ×490% Holi ×12100%

Keywords

holi 100% festival of colours 80% india 70% hindu festival 70% spring festival 60% victory of good over evil 60% hindu deities 50% traditional food 50% nepal 40% bonfires 40%