It’s a Holi day in India. This annual Hindu festival marks the beginning of spring and is characterized by much merriment and the throwing of coloured powder at one another.

Holi, festival of colours in pictures. The Guardian

This ancient festival, formerly known as Holika, is celebrated late February/early March depending on when the last full moon of the lunar month occurs. There are bonfires, food and the gathering of family and friends. It signifies the triumph of good over evil and is a time when the borders between castes are cast aside. Though originally celebrated in India it is now becoming a popular event all over the world. Holi is also known as the festival of colours. And speaking of colours…

Traditionally colours were naturally obtained from various fruit and flowers (e.g. hibiscus, mehendi) to make powders and paste (‘wet’ colours). Typical colours are green, yellow, red, blue, magenta/pink and saffron/orange. And now the WWT treatment of Holi:

• Fitness
  dancing and dodging water balloons: Dance can be a great cardio workout that helps coordination and flexibility. Dodging water balloons full of coloured water being thrown at you helps with agility and speed.
  
• Fragrance
  sandalwood: Ground to make a coloured Holi powder and used as an essential oil, sandalwood is ideal for skin care, as a sedative and deodorant.
• Food
  turmeric: A known anti-inflammatory when ingested, turmeric is also a natural food dye. (My cooking utensils are forever yellow due to contact with this plant found in curry mixes.)

Holi Links
Holi Festival
Holi Colours – How to make natural colours