Holi 2016
Revellers throw red powder on to villagers who are being sprayed with water during the Holi celebrations in the village of Nandgaon Francois Xaiver Marit/AFP

India celebrates one of its most popular festivals, Holi, on 24 March. Dubbed the "festival of colours", people take to the streets to indulge giant water fights with coloured powder and paint.

Holi signifies the beginning of spring. Although the festival has its roots in Hinduism, it is now widely celebrated by people of all faiths across India, as well as by Indians around the globe.

While some people hold religious ceremonies during Holi, most celebrate with dancing, singing and by throwing coloured water. People smear each other with paint and throw coloured powder around, with everyone being allowed to participate, breaking down barriers of caste, age, sex and status.

With everyone getting involved in the festival, many politicians have taken to Twitter to extend their well wishes. IBTimes UK rounds up some of the world's politicians celebrating Holi and what they had to say on the day.

United Kingdom

Sadiq Khan, London Labour mayoral candidate

Zac Goldsmith, London Conservative mayoral candidate

Priti Patel, UK Employment Minister and Prime Minister's Indian Diaspora Champion

"Equality, diversity and peace are the main themes of this lavish celebration, values held dear by both India and the UK as the world's largest and oldest democracies. It's a great opportunity to reflect on our deepening partnership, success and achievements so far and look back at the past year, which has been particularly significant for the UK-India relationship. I would like to extend my best wishes to all British Indians, and those across the world celebrating Holi. I wish you all a bright and joyful festival."

India

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister

Pranab Mukherjee, President

Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs

Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal

Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Minister of Delhi

Sanjeev Kapoor, Indian chef and entrepreneur

Shashi Tharoor, Indian MP for Thiruvananthapuram

Rest of the world

Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

"This week, Canadians of Hindu faith will join their communities and loved ones in celebration of the fun-filled festival of colours. As friends and families come together for this joyous occasion, we must take a moment to recognise the tremendous contributions Canadians of Hindu faith have made to our country. Our diversity is our greatest strength. On behalf of our family, Sophie and I wish all those marking this occasion a fun, happy and colourful Holi. Holi Hai!"

John Tory, mayor of Toronto

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