Today is Holi, one of India's most colorful and fun festivals. Celebrated by Indians all across the world, this exuberant festival is observed by people throwing colored powder, as well as, drenching each other with water balloons and sometimes - entire buckets of colored water!

While it sounds a little crazy - it is a lot of fun! The festival also includes special processions and folk dancing - in short it's just about having fun!

Holi celebrations begin the night before, when bonfires are lit to cleanse the air of evil spirits and to celebrate to the death of the evil demon "Holika" after whom the festival is named. The following morning, both kids and adults take to the streets, squirting color at each other and generally having a good time. In areas close to ocean, most people end the fun by going for a dip in the water.

At about midday, dripping with water and color, everyone heads home for a clean scrub, a big feast and then a much needed siesta!

In Mathura , the birthplace of the Indian god Krishna, the festival celebrates the immortal love between him and his wife Radha. Here Holi is celebrated for not two but sixteen days! Happy Holi!

source: essortment.com