What to Know About Holi, the Festival of Colors

What to Know About Holi, the Festival of Colors

What to Know About Holi, , the Festival of Colors.

This week, millions of people around the world are celebrating Holi, the Hindu festival of love, color and spring.

CNN reports that during the celebration of Holi, people take to the streets and drench each other in colorful powders and buckets of water.

The festivities include singing, dancing and a variety of foods.

This year, Holi falls on March 8, while communities across India began the holiday the evening before with bonfires as part of Holika Dahan, or Choti Holi.

CNN reports that the holiday's most well-known tradition, the throwing of colorful powders, finds its roots in the story of Radha and Krishna, a legendary love story.

According to British Museum curator Sushma Jansari, the tale originates in Hindu mythology.

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According to British Museum curator Sushma Jansari, the tale originates in Hindu mythology.

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The god Krishna drank milk that had been poisoned by a demon, which left him with unnatural blue skin.

Taking the advice of his mother, Krishna smeared colored powder on his love, Radha's face, to overcome his fear that his appearance was unsettling.

Taking the advice of his mother, Krishna smeared colored powder on his love, Radha's face, to overcome his fear that his appearance was unsettling.

According to the myth, the colored powder is what caused Radha to fall in love with Krishna.

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CNN reports that Holi has transcended the boundaries of religion to be celebrated around the world.