Today marks the start of Holi, a Hindu celebration known as the festival of colours.
Revellers throw brightly coloured powder and water balloons at each other on the streets as part of the festivities, as well as singing, dancing and gathering around bonfires.
Recent years have seen muted festivities in Australia thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, but this year more people are expected to take to the streets to celebrate.
Cleansing and healing rituals
Holi celebrates the triumph of good versus evil.
In India the festival is held over two days. On the first, families pray and sing and dance around a bonfire which symbolises cleansing. On the second day, participants take to the streets to douse each other with coloured powder while firing water pistols and throwing water balloons.
The coloured powders, known as gulal, were traditionally made from natural sources like turmeric and indigo and believed to have healing properties.
Now they are typically made from synthetic materials and are coloured bright yellow, pink, green, red, blue and various colours of the rainbow.
Where to celebrate Holi
Holi celebrations will be held around Australia in the coming days and weeks:
- In Sydney, festivals will be held on Saturday at Riverstone Park in Riverstone and Wyatt Park in Lidcombe as well as at Seven Hills Plaza
- In Brisbane, the Holi Festival of Colour will be held on April 9 at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks.
- In Melbourne there will be a Holi festival in Fed Square this Sunday, from midday
- Hobart will host the Holi festival today and tomorrow at the Hobart Regatta Showgrounds
- Adelaide's Hindu Youth Australia group will be celebrating Holi at Soutar Park in Goodwood on Saturday
