Women, who are widows, dance during Holi celebrations organized by the non-governmental organization Sulabh International at a widow's ashram in Vrindavan in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on March 14. Holi, also known as the Festival of Colors, heralds the beginning of spring and is celebrated all over India. Traditionally in Hindu culture, widows are expected to renounce earthly pleasure so they do not celebrate Holi. But the women at the shelter for widows, who have been abandoned by their families, celebrated the festival together on Friday by throwing flowers and colored powder.
Breaking Tradition: Widows Celebrate Holi Festival in India
Hindu widows and Harijan, or former untouchable, women break tradition by playing with colored water during Holi celebrations in India.