Many of the people present in the streets last Saturday must have been sprayed with coloured water. Although traditions linked to the Holi festival (Holika Dahan) are a lot more common in rural areas, they can be seen throughout the island.

On the occasion of the festival of colours, Mauritians of Hindu faith celebrate good harvests and the earth?s fertility. It coincides with the first day of spring in India. On this special day, people of all ages get together in the streets and seem to find the same pleasure in spraying one another with their pickari.

This celebration is not only full of colours but also full of joy. Huge bonfires are lit on the eve of the festival to drive out Holika, a female demon.

Holi is also a symbol of the victory of good over evil as it celebrates the death of the demon. Hence, the day is marked by loud processions, singing, dancing, traditional songs - and a whole lot more. In a word, it is a time for rejoicing and exchanging greetings.

But the festival is also said to have another meaning. The celebrations pay tribute to the Hindu god Krishna, and are associated with his love for Radha. The young Krishna would moan to his mother about why Radha was so fair and he was so dark. His mother advised him to apply colour on Radha?s face and see how her complexion would change. The celebrations still explore this idea.