15th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest People
Holi

Holika or Holi, as it is best known, is a ceremony dedicated to the goddess Holika, the one who brings protection to the home. On the night before the feast of colors, called Holika Dahan, offerings are made to the goddess, in a fire prepared by brahmans. The party is also the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the spring and ask for a good harvest. The next day, in Rangwali Holi, the men meet for a colorful madness, people throw colored powder at each other, always wishing a "Happy Holi."

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 03.2017
Date Uploaded: 10.2017
Photo Location: Pushkar, Ghana
Camera: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Copyright: © Olivier Boëls