N EW DELHI — Millions of people in South Asia celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, on Friday by smearing each other with brightly colored powder, dancing to festive music and feasting on traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.

Thousands celebrated the Hindu Holi festival in Kathmandu on Thursday, dancing to festive music, drumming and smearing each other with red, green, blue and pink powder.

Holi, the Hindu festival of colour, is celebrated around the world, marked by raucous parties where people throw and smear coloured powder on each other.The festival, the celebrations for which begin on March 14 in many parts of India,

In the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, many tourists joined in the festivities, smearing each other with red, green, blue, and pink powder.

Spring’s arrival may be uncertain after the groundhog’s prediction, but Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, which takes place March 14 this year, brings a vibrant promise: a fresh start, community joy and a chance to leave negativity behind.

The Hindu festival of colors ushers in the spring season. Here's when it's celebrated, what it's all about, and where to celebrate in Ohio.

Holi, the vibrant festival of colors, is celebrated by millions of people across India and around the world. The festival not only marks the arrival of spring but also symbolizes the triumph of good over evil,