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Animals decorated and sacrificed in Hindu ritual

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Animals decorated and sacrificed in Hindu ritual
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Animals decorated and sacrificed in Hindu ritual

2017-10-04 16:11 Last Updated At：10-05 02:09

Hindu believers are celebrating an annual festival in northeastern India with ceremonies offering animal sacrifices to the goddess Durga.

Participants, leading buffaloes, goats and ducks festooned in colorful decorations, lined up before an altar where a butcher hacked off the animals' heads one by one.

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In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers watch as a buffalo is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers watch as a buffalo is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo struggles as villagers prepare to sacrifice it at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo struggles as villagers prepare to sacrifice it at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo, at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo, at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

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In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a butcher applies sacrificial blood on the forehead of a boy after an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a butcher applies sacrificial blood on the forehead of a boy after an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a Hindu devotee carries a decorated goat to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a Hindu devotee carries a decorated goat to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, two buffaloes engage themselves in a tussle, as they are prepared to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, two buffaloes engage themselves in a tussle, as they are prepared to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian priests perform rituals near swords before an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian priests perform rituals near swords before an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, devotees put a garland on a buffalo calf before it is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, devotees put a garland on a buffalo calf before it is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf festooned in colorful decorations is brought to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf festooned in colorful decorations is brought to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to apply sacrificial blood of animals on their foreheads at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to apply sacrificial blood of animals on their foreheads at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
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In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers watch as a buffalo is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers watch as a buffalo is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo struggles as villagers prepare to sacrifice it at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo struggles as villagers prepare to sacrifice it at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo, at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo, at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a butcher applies sacrificial blood on the forehead of a boy after an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a butcher applies sacrificial blood on the forehead of a boy after an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a Hindu devotee carries a decorated goat to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a Hindu devotee carries a decorated goat to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, two buffaloes engage themselves in a tussle, as they are prepared to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, two buffaloes engage themselves in a tussle, as they are prepared to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian priests perform rituals near swords before an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian priests perform rituals near swords before an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, devotees put a garland on a buffalo calf before it is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, devotees put a garland on a buffalo calf before it is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf festooned in colorful decorations is brought to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf festooned in colorful decorations is brought to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to apply sacrificial blood of animals on their foreheads at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to apply sacrificial blood of animals on their foreheads at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers watch as a buffalo is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers watch as a buffalo is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

The Hindu festival commemorates the slaying of a demon king by the goddess Durga, marking the triumph of good over evil.

Participants in the five-day festival on the outskirts of the northeast city of Gauhati in Assam state believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, such as some areas in the east Indian state of Bihar, religious animal sacrifices are banned.

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo struggles as villagers prepare to sacrifice it at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo struggles as villagers prepare to sacrifice it at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo, at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo, at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to sacrifice a buffalo at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a butcher applies sacrificial blood on the forehead of a boy after an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a butcher applies sacrificial blood on the forehead of a boy after an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a Hindu devotee carries a decorated goat to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a Hindu devotee carries a decorated goat to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, two buffaloes engage themselves in a tussle, as they are prepared to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, two buffaloes engage themselves in a tussle, as they are prepared to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian priests perform rituals near swords before an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian priests perform rituals near swords before an animal sacrifice at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, devotees put a garland on a buffalo calf before it is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, devotees put a garland on a buffalo calf before it is sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf festooned in colorful decorations is brought to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf festooned in colorful decorations is brought to be sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, a buffalo calf stands festooned in colorful decorations, before being sacrificed at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to apply sacrificial blood of animals on their foreheads at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

In this Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 photo, Indian villagers prepare to apply sacrificial blood of animals on their foreheads at a temple of Hindu goddess Durga at Rani village on the outskirts in Gauhati, Assam state, India. Participants in the five-day Durga Puja festival believe the sacrifices bring prosperity and good health. But in some parts of India, religious animal sacrifices are banned. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

INDIA (AP) — Millions of Indians on Friday celebrated the Hindu festival of Holi, dancing to festive music, exchanging food and drink, and smearing each other with red, green, blue and pink powder, turning the air into a joyful kaleidoscope of color.

Widely known as the Hindu festival of colors, Holi marks the arrival of the spring season in India, Nepal and other South Asian countries as well as the diaspora. It celebrates the divine love between the Hindu god Krishna and his consort Radha, and signifies a time of rebirth and rejuvenation, embracing the positive and letting go of negative energy.

This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.

Nepalese people throw colors on each other as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Nepalese people throw colors on each other as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

 Indian revelers, faces smeared with colored powder, dance during celebrations to mark Holi, the Hindu festival of colors in Prayagraj, northern Uttar Pradesh state, India, Friday, March 14, 2025 (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Indian revelers, faces smeared with colored powder, dance during celebrations to mark Holi, the Hindu festival of colors in Prayagraj, northern Uttar Pradesh state, India, Friday, March 14, 2025 (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

 Indian revelers, faces smeared with colored powder, dance during celebrations to mark Holi, the Hindu festival of colors in Prayagraj, northern Uttar Pradesh state, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Indian revelers, faces smeared with colored powder, dance during celebrations to mark Holi, the Hindu festival of colors in Prayagraj, northern Uttar Pradesh state, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)
Indian women cover each other with colored powder during celebrations marking Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Prayagraj, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India, Friday, March 14, 2025 (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

Indian women cover each other with colored powder during celebrations marking Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Prayagraj, in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, India, Friday, March 14, 2025 (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh)

 Devotees cheer as colored powder and water is sprayed on them during celebrations of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at the Kalupur Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Piyush Nagpal)

Devotees cheer as colored powder and water is sprayed on them during celebrations of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at the Kalupur Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Piyush Nagpal)

 Devotees cheer as colored powder and water is sprayed on them during celebrations of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at the Kalupur Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Piyush Nagpal)

Devotees cheer as colored powder and water is sprayed on them during celebrations of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at the Kalupur Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Piyush Nagpal)

 Villagers covered in color participate in the Lathmar Holi at the Nandagram temple in Nandgoan village, 115 kilometers (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo)

Villagers covered in color participate in the Lathmar Holi at the Nandagram temple in Nandgoan village, 115 kilometers (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo)

 Villagers from Barsana and Nandgaon smeared with colors participate in Lathmar Holi at Nandagram temple in Nandgoan village, 115 kilometers (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo)

Villagers from Barsana and Nandgaon smeared with colors participate in Lathmar Holi at Nandagram temple in Nandgoan village, 115 kilometers (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India, Sunday, March 9, 2025. (AP Photo)

 Villagers from Barsana and Nandgaon smeared with colors sing and dance as they participate Lathmar Holi at Nandagram temple in Nandgoan village, 115 kilometers (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India, Sunday March 9, 2025. (AP Photo)

Villagers from Barsana and Nandgaon smeared with colors sing and dance as they participate Lathmar Holi at Nandagram temple in Nandgoan village, 115 kilometers (70 miles) south of New Delhi, India, Sunday March 9, 2025. (AP Photo)

 Holi festival Holi celebration at the Lord Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Holi festival Holi celebration at the Lord Jagannath temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

 People perform rituals around the bonfire or sacred fire called 'Holi ka dahan' during Holi festival celebrations in Palaj village near Gandhinagar, India, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

People perform rituals around the bonfire or sacred fire called 'Holi ka dahan' during Holi festival celebrations in Palaj village near Gandhinagar, India, Thursday, March 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

 A girl throws colored powder on her friend as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A girl throws colored powder on her friend as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

 A girl with her face smeared with colored powder smiles during Holi celebrations, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A girl with her face smeared with colored powder smiles during Holi celebrations, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

 A girl throws colored powder on her friend as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

A girl throws colored powder on her friend as they celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, in Mumbai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

 Revelers smeared with colors dance on a street during Holi festival in Guwahati, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

Revelers smeared with colors dance on a street during Holi festival in Guwahati, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 People apply color powder on each other as they celebrate Holi festival in Guwahati, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

People apply color powder on each other as they celebrate Holi festival in Guwahati, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

 Indian security personnel from Sasastra Seema Bal (SSB) dance as they celebrate Holi inside their base camp in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

Indian security personnel from Sasastra Seema Bal (SSB) dance as they celebrate Holi inside their base camp in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

 A priest sprays colored powder and water on devotees during celebrations of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at the Kalupur Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

A priest sprays colored powder and water on devotees during celebrations of Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, at the Kalupur Swaminarayan temple in Ahmedabad, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

 Indians play with colours as they celebrate Holi in Jammu, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Indians play with colours as they celebrate Holi in Jammu, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

 Indians play with colours as they celebrate Holi in Jammu, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Indians play with colours as they celebrate Holi in Jammu, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

 Indians play with colours as they celebrate Holi in Jammu, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

Indians play with colours as they celebrate Holi in Jammu, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Channi Anand)

 A woman has her face smeared with coloured powder as they celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in Chennai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A woman has her face smeared with coloured powder as they celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in Chennai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

 A child plays with a water gun to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in Chennai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A child plays with a water gun to celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in Chennai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

 A woman has her face smeared with coloured powder as they celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in Chennai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)

A woman has her face smeared with coloured powder as they celebrate Holi, the festival of colours, in Chennai, India, Friday, March 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.)
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