Hindu festival of Holi celebrated in Exeter

The colourful festival celebrates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil

The Hindu festival of Holi has been marked in Exeter this weekend.

There were events held at the city's Hindu cultural centre and at Exwick parish gardens on Sunday.

The colourful festival, which marks the last full-moon day of the lunar month, celebrates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Cardiologist Ash Kotecha said his favourite part of the celebrations was "throwing colour, fun and food with friends, and lots of dancing".

Ash Kotecha and his son were among those celebrating Holi in Exeter

Mr Kotecha said Holi was "one of the biggest festivals in India after Diwali".

People celebrate Holi by smearing bright colours on friends and family, offering prayers and burning a bonfire to symbolically destroy the bad, so good can triumph.

The festival is based on Hindu legend and has huge cultural significance. People see the festival as symbolising new beginnings and a time to mend relationships and start afresh.