Throwing coloured powder or paint at strangers and friends is the centrepiece of the festival.
The colour is symbolic for its ability to disguise social background, says Sydney Holi festival organiser Gambhir Watts.
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“On this day, people come together and forget their differences. Rich, poor or whatever their caste may be,” says Mr Watts.
“After throwing colours, everyone looks the same.”
Mr Watts first brought the Holi festival to Australia in 2002, with a colour-throwing event and cultural performances in Darling Harbour. This year, he expects up to 20,000 people to take part.
The ancient festival has religious origins, often beginning with a giant bonfire that symbolises the demise of Holika, a she-demon who wanted to kill her nephew for worshipping God. These days, says Mr Watts, celebrations are more cultural than religious.
The messy and often spectacular practice of colour throwing has grown in popularity in recent years, with several running events borrowing the idea to add a festive side to the finish line.
