The Hindu festival marks the start of spring and the triumph of good over evil, and is celebrated by people from all faiths across the country.

People gathered in parks and held private celebrations to exchange traditional sweets and spray red, yellow and pink powder and water at each other in a vibrant display.

Many also attended dance shows and music concerts during the weekend.

In the western city of Mumbai, the centre of the country's entertainment industry, hundreds of people visited the residence of superstar Amitabh Bachchan to mark the day.