Hindu community celebrate colourful festival of Holi across Pakistan

The Hindu festival of Holi marks the end of winter and beginning of spring. Widows covered in colors dance during Holi celebrations in the town of Vrindavan in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, India, Feb. 27, 2018.

Similar celebrations were reported from other urban and rural pockets of the country.

The colour festival starts on the evening of March 1 and ends on the evening of March 2. In recent years there has been a music festival inspired by the Hindu festival called the Festival of Colours tour.

This name for the festival derives from its main event, falling on the second day, Rangwali Holi. It’s scheduled around the phases of the moon and is a great equalizer among different castes, genders and ages in India.

According to reports, Holi festival was also celebrated in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Batote, Drabshala, Bhallessa, Gandoh, Nagseni, Chinta, Bhalra and Thathri areas of Chenab Valley with full religious fervour and enthusiasm.

During the first part of the festival, known as Holika Dahan, bonfires are lit to commemorate Holika’s death and celebrate good conquering evil.

On this day, the mythological “Holika” is said to have died.

Krishna and Radha figure in the legend of two people who were in love. But before we immerse ourselves into a pool of these colours, there are some beauty tips that are necessary for our sensitive skin and luscious hair. On the advice on his mother, he playfully painted her face so it was the same colour as his. When the entire country is immersed in the Holi celebrations, how can the Bachchan clan be left behind? Holi signifies fostering brotherhood, unity and a lot of celebration. Photo: GettyWhat is the Holi powder made over? Children did what they do best – playing pranks by spraying coloured water with “pichkaris” or water guns and hurling water-filled balloons at passers-by from rooftops and balconies of their houses.

The organisers believe that gulal, the coloured powder, intoxicates people so their religion and social status don’t matter. Some people oil their hair so the powder is easily removable. This is something I follow even now, as colours can strip your hair of their natural moisture and make them dry.