Holi

Body paint, cut-off shirts... the formula's all there. What is this, hipsters wonder, some sort of undiscovered neon dp? Chell.

This is Holi, the Festival of Colors, celebrated predominantly by Hindus, but also Buddhists and Sikhs too. This year the main day of the festival, Holi, was on March 1st. I came across amazing photos of Holi celebrations in India and had to share. Here are some of the best. Click to expand (really):

Ahmedabad

Holy men (Sadhus) in Allahabad

Mathura

Mumbai

Mumbai

Eye in Chandigarh

Mumbai

Kolkata

Man sits to watch processions in Mathura

Mumbai

Temple in Vrindavan

Celebrations can last up to 16 days since they're based on lunar cycles. Holi is a welcoming of Spring and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Among other celebrations (like bonfires for Hindu figure Prahlada), devotees drop their inhibitions and playfully chase each other in temples and through the streets, splashing colorful paint, powder, and water on one another. Aesthetically, the festival is stunning. I just wish I knew more about it beyond that.