There's no way to avoid getting smeared with colored powder, hosed with water guns or hit with sparkle-filled water balloons if you venture out of your home in India on Friday.

N EW DELHI — Millions of people in South Asia celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, on Friday by smearing each other with brightly colored powder, dancing to festive music and feasting on traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.

Former union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi celebrates the Holi festival, in Rampur. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari with supporters during Holi celebrations at his residence in New Delhi. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav celebrates Holi at his residence in Bhopal.