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The festival of Holi began in the temple city of Varanasi from Feb 28, and celebrations are said to last for as long as ten days.

The ghats dotting the city landscape are completely covered with colour and the water of the River Ganges also gets heavily coloured.

People move in groups from one locality to the next sharing their joy, music, dance and food.

"Similar to Mathura’s ‘Lathmar Holi’, the Holi of Benaras is also famous. It is celebrated from the day known as the ‘Ekadashi’. We start the celebrations by applying colour to Baba Vishwanath and offering him Bel Patra. From this day onwards, the celebrations of Holi start and go to its climax. When we drink bhang, thandai and enjoy ourselves and celebrate festival to the fullest," said Dr Santosh Ahuja, a Varanasi resident.

The day of ‘Ekadashi’ as per Indian lunar calendar indicates Lord Shiva departure for the home of Goddess Parvati, his wife.

According to legend, Lord Shiva consumed Bhaang and celebrated with colours.

"We hail this festival by forgetting everything else and get fully involved in its celebrations. On this day, Lord Shankar went to his in-laws home. Therefore, the people of Kashi also enjoy the festival with great zeal and enthusiasm," said Nagesh Shandilya, a local.

The evenings are also packed with several events slated at the Ghats.

Celebrated in the month of Fagun (February-March) according to the Hindu calendar, Holi is also associated with the uninhibited expression of love and affection.

Holi, the festival of colours, will be celebrated in different parts of the country on March 4. (ANI)

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