Holi Splashes Delhi With Colors

Holi celebrations began early Thursday morning in India national capital Delhi, with squeals of laughter echoing from various households as the young and old alike threw dry color on each other.

Soon enough, buckets full of coloured water were squirted through 'pichkaris,' drenching everyone within range.

In south Delhi's Katwaria Sarai area, young boys aimed balloons filled with colored water at passersby, especially at girls. Not to be left behind, the girls retaliated in an equally colorful manner.

Streets in Delhi were colored in all shades of yellow, red, green, purple. The vibrant colors jostled for prominence as people smeared 'gulal' on each other and distributed sweets to celebrate.

Small bands of children armed with 'pichkaris' filled with colored water, sprayed unwary passersby with colored water and ran away, shouting 'Holi hai!'(It's Holi!).

In crowded urban pockets, the celebrations were more robust. Large bands of revelers, armed with colored water - deep purple, black and silver - smeared anyone they came across with color.

Sweets, especially the traditional gujiyas, were the order of the day as people exchanged them and greeted each other. The more adventurous downed thandai (cold drink) laced with bhang to add zest to their celebrations.

The festival is associated with the legend of demon king Hiranyakashyapu whose son, Prahlad was a devotee of Vishnu. It symbolizes victory of good over evil and is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals.