Photo and caption by sumitra puri

Holi is one of the major festivals of India, celebrated with enthusiasm on the full moon day in the month of month of March (Phalgun in India. Holi is also called the Spring Festival as it marks the arrival of spring, the season of colours and joy. The gloom of the winter vanishes as Holi promises of bright days. Great fun begins when people of all ages start playing with colours. Bright colours of gulal and abeer fill the air and people take turns in pouring colour & water over each other. Children take special delight in spraying colours on one another with their water guns (pichkaris) and throwing water balloons on passers by. People of all ages form groups and visit friends and families, applying colours and exchanging greetings. Songs, dance on the rhythm of dholak and mouthwatering Holi delicacies are the other highlights of the day. After a funfilled and exciting day, people take bath, wear new clothes and rest of the evenings are spent in peace with family & friends and exchange sweets and festive greetings.

Location: Chandigarh, India