N EW DELHI — Millions of people in South Asia celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, on Friday by smearing each other with brightly colored powder, dancing to festive music and feasting on traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.

Each spring, millions of Hindu cities and communities erupt in color, music, and laughter to celebrate Holi—one of the faith’s most exuberant festivals. Known as the “Festival of Colors,” Holi is a time-honored tradition that blends spiritual depth with unbridled joy,

Holi expands well beyond the Indian continent. Hindus celebrate in Bangladesh and Pakistan, plus other countries with large diaspora populations like Suriname, South Africa, and Malaysia. The United Kingdom and the United States also hold parties, concerts, and events across the country, making it possible for many to join the festivities.

Discover why we celebrate this vibrant festival, its rich history, significance, and all you need to know about the Festival of Colours.

Colored powder was flying in the air on Sunday in Scripps Ranch during a Holi festival put on by a San Diego nonprofit for the first time. Holi typically is celebrated in March and has origins from Hindu mythology and lore. In parts of India, people light large bonfires the night before to signify a triumph of good and destruction of evil.

Widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, Holi marks the arrival of the spring season in India, Nepal and other South Asian countries as well as the diaspora. It celebrates the divine love between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha,