Colourful times in Goa

Travellers heading to Goa this March might want to make sure they stick around for the Hindu festival of Holi.

Celebrated across India from March 3rd, this religious festival is best known for the spectacle of people taking to the streets to throw coloured paint, powder and water at each other.

The festival is based on the ancient tale of King Hiranyakashipu, who outlawed the worship of gods in his kingdom but was thwarted when he tried to kill his son, Prahlad, for continuing to worship Lord Vishnu.

Hiranyakashipu tried to burn his son by ordering him to sit in a fire burning on the lap of his daughter, Holika, who wore a shawl that allowed her to become invulnerable to fire, but when he did so the shawl flew off and killed Holika.

Holi usually takes place over a five-day period, starting on the day of March's full moon. The first night typically sees massive bonfires being lit to recall the burning of Holika and to ward off evil.

The remaining days bring the sight of revellers covered in every colour imaginable, with few people able to escape the festivities.

Various religious Hindu ceremonies take place throughout the festival, but in Goa people of all religions are free to take part in the celebrations.

For more information, check out the Goa Tourism website.

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