Holi: Hundreds celebrate Hindu festival in Leicester

Ashok Karavadra, from Leicester Maher Community Association, said Holi was celebrated on Sunday in the UK and on Monday in India

Hundreds of people have been celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi in Leicester this weekend.

Observed by millions around the world, the colourful festival commemorates the beginning of spring and the victory of good over evil.

Ashok Karavadra, from Leicester Maher Community Association, said on Sunday Holi was marked with performances and a bonfire, while at an event on Saturday coloured powder was thrown in the air.

He said: "People had a fantastic time."

Holi celebrates the eternal and divine love of god Radha Krishna and is widely marked across India and Asia.

Mr Karavadra said on Saturday the event called Rang Barse, in which eight different coloured powders were thrown in the air, was hosted at the Maher Centre in Leicester, and more than 600 people attended.

He said: "Leicester is quite diverse - the colours were a symbol representative of that diversity."

"It is all about the celebration of good over evil. We wanted to share this message to everyone," said Mr Karavadra

Mr Karavadra said he believed Leicester hosted the biggest celebration of Holi in the country.

He said between 800 and 1,000 people joined in the festivities at the Maher Centre on Sunday, and the atmosphere was "vibrant".

"The event ends with a bonfire representing evil burning to ashes and good surviving," Mr Karavadra added.

On Sunday there were performances and a bonfire at the Maher Centre, as well as at Rushey Fields