Holi celebrations begin in India

With a splash of color, the annual Hindu festival which welcomes spring began this week.

The holiday is officially celebrated on March 27 this year, but people around the country have broken out the colored powder over the past week.

The Hindustan Times writes:

This festival is celebrated by sprinkling dry or wet colours on each other. Traditionally, Holi was played by making colours from flowers and herbs which were available in plenty during the season. Many of these flowers and herbs are known for their therapeutic and beneficial health effects, particularly skin. Even today in some parts of the country, Holi is played by throwing flower petals on each other.