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

Holi, the annual colorful festival that marks the end of winter and beginning of spring, will be celebrated later this month across North Jersey.

Indians are gearing up to mark the festival of colors Holi on Friday, with markets buzzing with shoppers buying bright powdered colors and traditional sweets associated with the festival selling at a brisk pace ahead of the joyful annual celebration.