Why is the festival of Holi celebrated with colors?

The answer

Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors celebrated in spring, commemorates several mythological events, most prominently the triumph of devotion over evil in the story of Prahlad and Holika, and the divine love between Krishna and Radha. According to legend, the blue-skinned Krishna playfully smeared colors on Radha's face, inspiring the tradition of throwing colored powder (gulal) and water. The festival begins with Holika Dahan, a bonfire symbolizing the burning of evil. The following day, people of all ages, castes, and backgrounds take to the streets to smear and drench each other with colors. Holi serves as a powerful social equalizer: during the celebration, normal social distinctions of class, age, and gender are temporarily dissolved. The festival is primarily celebrated across India and Nepal but has gained global popularity, inspiring color run events worldwide.