Millions of Indians on Friday celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi, dancing to festive music, exchanging food and drink, and smearing each other with red, green, blue and pink powder, turning the air into a joyful kaleidoscope of color.

The vivid festival marks the beginning of spring, symbolizes the defeat of evil and celebrates the love between the Hindu deities Krishna and Radha.

Holi, celebrated with color and traditional festivities across India, emphasized unity amid diversity. Security was tightened in various states coinciding with Ramadan prayers. Political leaders underscored messages of unity while festivities unfolded across regions,