India: Holi in the time of coronavirus

In India, while some stayed away from the traditional celebrations of the Hindu festival of colours, Holi, others really got into the act. Holi falls this year on March 9, but university students decided to start playing with colourful powders – some of which are mixed with water for a potent mix – as early as Friday. Here’s a look at some players from around the country.

Students play with colours during Holi celebrations, at Calcutta University in Kolkata, Friday, March 6, 2020.

Students from Lalbhai Dalpatbhai (LD) College of Engineering throw a peer in the air as they celebrate 'Holi', the Hindu spring festival, with eco-friendly coloured powders in Ahmedabad on March 7, 2020.

Students celebrate Holi festival inside the Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, Saturday, March 7, 2020.

A student from Lalbhai Dalpatbhai (LD) College of Engineering shakes her head covered with coloured powder, in Ahmedabad.

Hindu devotees celebrate Holi, the spring festival of colours, during a traditional gathering at a temple in Nandgaon village in Uttar Pradesh state on March 5, 2020.

A Hindu devotee dances as he celebrates Holi, the spring festival of colours, during a traditional gathering at a temple in Nandgaon village in Uttar Pradesh state on March 5, 2020. Holi is observed in India at the end of the winter season on the last full moon of the lunar month.

Students from Rabindra Bharati University posses for a photo as they celebrate Holi festival at the university campus in Kolkata on Thursday

A child with cerebral palsy wears a protective mask while playing 'Holi' organized by Trishala Foundation, in Prayagraj, Friday, March 6, 2020.

Vendors put on displays different types of masks and colours on displays for ahead of Holi celebrations, in Kolkata, Friday, March 6, 2020.

A boy holds a spray bottle as he takes part in the religious festival of Holi inside a temple in Nandgaon village, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, March 5, 2020.

Not everyone seemed immune to the fear of the new coronavirus, Covid-19, but some, like these people in Allahabad on March 6, 2020, decided to wear their masks to the party.

Women playfully beat a man with sticks as they celebrate Holi during a gathering in Nandgaon village in Uttar Pradesh state on March 5, 2020. This tradition, called Lath Mar Holi, draws inspiration from a myth.

Hindu women beat a man with sticks as they celebrate Holi.

A boy pours color on devotees during the Holi celebration at Gokul in Mathura on Saturday.

Students from Rabindra Bharati University celebrates Holi festival at the university campus in Kolkata on Thursday

Vendors sells colored powder known as 'Gulal' ahead of Holi Festival in Guwahati on Thursday.