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.

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

Thursday (March 13) marks the start of Holi, the colorful festival welcoming in springtime. But it’s not just for Hindus anymore.

Millions of people in South Asia are celebrating Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, by wearing bright powder, dancing and feasting on traditional sweets. The raucous spring festival sees Hindus take part in a kaleidoscopic celebration of the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil.

The Hindu festival of Holi is celebrated by millions of people around the world. It's known as the festival of love, colours and spring, and people throw coloured powder and water at each other to mark the occasion.