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.

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

Holi, celebrated with color and traditional festivities across India, emphasized unity amid diversity. Security was tightened in various states coinciding with Ramadan prayers. Political leaders underscored messages of unity while festivities unfolded across regions,