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17 gorgeous photos of India's Holi festival, the most colorful party in the world

Courtney VerrillMar 22, 2016, 23:33 IST

Manish Swarup/AP Images

The arrival of spring is accompanied by festivals in many countries.

In India, many people celebrate by throwing a public bonfire, exchanging foods, and throwing colored powder all over each other. Known as Holi, the festival is celebrated all throughout India and is the first major Hindu festival of the year. It officially falls on the day after the full moon, which this year is March 24, but the 2016 celebrations have already begun.

In addition to heralding the arrival of spring, Holi celebrates the victory of good over evil. The colored powder has deep ties to Indian legend and is a way for people to show affection towards loved ones.

Here are some of the most colorful images from the Holi celebrations.