India-Holi-Anandpur Sahib
A group of Nihangs (Sikh warriors) throw colours on each other during the Holla Mohalla festival in the northern Indian city of Anandpur Sahib, on March 26, 2005.
Image: Reuters/Ajay Verma
India-Holi-Holla Mohalla
“Nihangs”, or Sikh warriors, apply coloured powders to each other’s faces during the Holla Mohalla festival in Anandpur Sahib, in Punjab on March 26, 2005.
Image: Reuters/Ajay Verma

Yaoshang

In the northeastern state of Manipur, the Holi is replaced by Yaoshang, a quaint spring celebration with much music and dance.

And at night, under the full moon, young Manipuris gather for the Thabal Chongba, the moonlight dance.

Festival of flowers

In the north Indian town of Vrindavan, Hindu widows, who typically are kept away from celebrations in this temple town, now partake in Holi festivities awash with flowers and colour.

India-Vrindavan-Uttar Pradesh
Widows daubed in colours chant religious hymns as they take part in the Holi celebrations organised by non-governmental organisation Sulabh International at a widows’ ashram at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh on March 5, 2015.
Image: Reuters/Adnan Abidi
India-Vrindavan-Holi
A widow daubed in colours chant religious hymns as she takes part in the Holi celebrations organised by non-governmental organisation Sulabh International at a widows’ ashram at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh on March 5, 2015.
Image: Reuters/Adnan Abidi

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