Pictures: India's Festival of Colors

Splash of Color

Photograph by Babu, Reuters

Those who partake in Holi festivities smear colored water and brightly colored powdered paint—called gulal—on friends, family, and strangers during huge public celebrations.

Most of the festivals last about two days, but some regions may celebrate much longer.

While Holi is seen as a lighthearted time, there is a wealth of Hindu mythology behind the colorful revelry.

The most popular story is that of Prahlad, a young devotee of Lord Vishnu and son of an arrogant and evil king.

As the story goes, Hindu American Foundation's Shah said, Prahlad's father believed he should be worshiped instead of Vishnu and disapproved of Prahlad's devotion to the god.

After several attempts on his son's life, the king ordered Prahlad to sit on the lap of his aunt Holika—who, it was said, could not be burned by fire—on a lit pyre. Prahlad agreed, and after praying to Vishnu, he entered the fire.

"To the amazement of all, Prahlad survived while Holika was burnt to death," Shah said. "Thus, the celebration of Holi—the Lord Vishnu protects those who have true love and faith in him."

Published April 1, 2013

Colorful History

Photograph by Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images

Hindu devotees play with color while celebrating in the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, India, in a picture taken March 27.

Holi also draws its roots from a Hindu legend involving the goddess Radha and the god Krishna.

According to Hindu mythology, a young Krishna was jealous of Radha's fair complexion and inquired about his own dark complexion to his mother Yashoda.

In a teasing mood, Yashoda told Krishna to paint Radha's face with any color he wanted and Krishna complied.

The painting of loved ones and strangers with colored powders has long been a feature of Holi celebrations thanks in part to this legend.

Published April 1, 2013

A Colorful Shot

Photograph by Vivek Prakash, Reuters

Gadget-conscious attendees, like this boy carrying a squirt gun filled with colored water at the Banke Bihari temple on March 26, fill syringes, water pistols, and even balloons with colorful concoctions to better cover devotees.

General frivolity throughout the festival is encouraged, with many celebrations including dancing and singing in addition to the throwing of colored paints.

Published April 1, 2013

Unique Traditions

Photograph by Kevin Frayer, AP

Red powder is thrown on a group of Hindu men as they sit in the Radha Temple in the village of Nandgaon on March 21.

The men wait in the temple in preparation for their procession to the neighboring village of Barsana for the Lathmar Holi festival celebration.

The villages of Barsana and Nandgaon, hometowns of Radha and Krishna, respectively, boast a unique Holi ritual: Men from Nandgaon travel to Barsana and tease the women, who then beat the men with sticks. While the men are allowed to carry shields to protect themselves, they are not allowed to strike back at the women.

According to Hindu legend, ever mischievous Krishna is believed to have traveled to Barsana to tease Radha. In retaliation, Radha and her friends would chase the young god away with sticks.

Published April 1, 2013

Technicolor Prayers

Photograph by Altaf Qadri, AP

This Hindu devotee found time to take a break from the chaos to pray in the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan on March 25.

This year's Holi marked the first time widows and women whose partners have abandoned them were allowed to participate in Vrindavan's celebrations.

In previous years, these women were forced to stay inside, as they were considered an unlucky presence.

Published April 1, 2013

Drenched in Color

Photograph by Ahmad Masood, Reuters

Hindu devotees like this man covered in red-colored water must be prepared to get messy during the celebrations.

Traditionally, the powdered paints used in Holi celebrations were made from the flowers of the tesu tree, which were dried in the sun and ground into a powder. When mixed with water, this powder would turn an orange-red hue.

The powdered color most commonly used today is called gulal and can be found in a wide range of shades. Some formulations are mixed with small crystals of mica to make the powder sparkle.

But as the popularity of the festival grows, Hindu American Foundation's Shah notes an increase in the use of synthetic colors.

"[They] aren't as safe or environmentally friendly as the traditional, natural colors," Shah said. Some health experts have even warned that gulal mixed with mica crystals poses a health risk to festivalgoers.

Published April 1, 2013

Purple Rain

Photograph by Daniel Berehulak, Getty Images

Men and women play with vibrant purple hues at the Banke Bihari temple during a Holi celebration on March 27.

Today, Holi is seen as a bridge between social gaps within Hindu culture. Men and women celebrate together, rich and poor throw colors at each other, and the young splatter the old.

It's not uncommon for pictures of ministers and government officials celebrating the holiday to surface.

"Holi is meant to bring people together in joyful celebration," Shah said. "Its playful nature tends to loosen some barriers in society."

Published April 1, 2013