A view of news and daily life on the Indian subcontinent for the week of March 19, 2014.
Updated: March 19, 2014, 12:00 AM
Inside India: All the best photography from the festival of Holi
Widows daubed in colours as they take part in Holi celebrations organised by non-governmental organisation Sulabh International at a widows' ashram in Vrindavan in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Traditionally in Hindu culture, widows are expected to renounce earthly pleasure so they do not celebrate Holi. Adnan Abidi / Reuters
An Indian man with his face smeared with colours to celebrate Holi. The holiday marks the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Rajesh Kumar Singh / AP Photo
Indians throw coloured powder in Hyderabad. Mahesh Kumar A. / AP Photo
A man throws coloured powder on men and women during ‘Huranga’ at Dauji temple near the northern Indian city of Mathura. “Huranga” is a game played between men and women a day after Holi, the festival of colours, during which men drench women with liquid colours and women tear off the clothes of the men. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters
Indian villagers throw coloured powder over others during Lathmar Holi celebrations in the village of Jaab in Kosi Kalan. Holi, is celebrated at the end of the winter season on the last full moon day of the lunar month. Chandan khanna / AFP Photo
Indian widows throw coloured powder and flower petals as they dance during Holi celebrations at an ashram in Vrindavan. Chandan Khanna / AFP Photo
Men dance as coloured powder and water is sprayed on them during Holi celebrations in the northern Indian city of Allahabad. Jitendra Prakash / Reuters
Women cover themselves as men pour coloured water on them during ‘Huranga’ at Dauji temple near the northern Indian city of Mathura. Anindito Mukherjee / Reuters
Men dance as coloured powder is sprayed on them during Holi celebrations in Allahabad. Jitendra Prakash / Reuters
A man dances as he takes part in a colourful procession locally known as ‘Badshah ki Sawari’ as part of Holi celebrations in Beawar. Himanshu Sharma / Reuters
Indian widows throw coloured powder and flower petals as they take part in Holi celebrations at an ashram in Vrindavan. Chandan Khanna / AFP Phot
Indian devotees daubed with coloured powder gather to glimpse a statue of the Hindu god Lord Krishna during Holi celebrations at the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan. Chandan Khanna / AFP Photo
An Indian reveller smeared with colours dances to Bollywood tunes during the Holi Festival in Bangalore. Jagadeesh NV / EPA