Holi: What is the Hindu festival and how is it celebrated?

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.

The two-day festival, which first began in India, also celebrates the Hindu god Krishna and the legend of Holika and Prahlad, which symbolises good overcoming evil.

The festival marks the beginning of spring, and it celebrates new life and love.

On the first day people light bonfires and may also throw food such as popcorn, grains, coconut and chickpeas into a fire.

The second day is when the famous paint fight takes place.

In countries around the world there will be huge crowds gathering in the street smearing each other with paint and throwing coloured water.

Some believe the Holi colours is a reference to Krishna throwing coloured water at people when he was a boy.

People from all backgrounds get involved in the fun and it is a chance for families to play tricks on each other.

As well as coloured powder, people sometimes throw water balloons and squirt water at each other with water pistols.

During Holi, people also give presents and eat special food as part of the celebrations.