India’s festival of colour has burst into life, marking the coming of spring.
The celebration of Holi begins with public bonfires and gatherings under a full moon. It continues with the wearing and throwing of coloured powders and liquids.
Holi commemorates the myth of Hiranyakashipu and his son Prahlada.
Prahlada is a devotee of Lord Vishnu who protects him in a series of murder attempts by his father. The bonfires of Holi represent one of these attempts in which Hiranyakashipu attempted to burn his son alive.