Pictures from Dartford Central Park’s Holi Festival of Colours

The Holi festival, which originates from India, marks the beginning of the spring season and celebrates the divine love of Hindu god Krishna with his consort Radha.

Holi (Image: Bharath Bindu Patlolla)

It is one of the most popular Hindu festivals – providing people with an opportunity for people to come together, forget resentment and ill feelings toward each other.

This year, Holi - the Festival of Colours – fell on Wednesday, March 8, but celebrations commenced in advance at Dartford Central Park on March 5.

Holi (Image: Karunakar Anita Chilukuri)

There were more than 1000 people attending the large public gathering where people threw vibrant coloured powder at one another.

The free event was endorsed by Dartford Borough Council and Cohesion, as well as supported by local community members.

Holi (Image: Veera Nandini Induvasi)

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The celebration brought happy smiles and laughter as well to those that attended and welcome some special guests including:

• Mr. Gareth Johnson, Member of Parliament UK

• Mahesh Chawla - Head of Chancery and Protocol, High Commission of India London • Cllr. Paul Cutler, Mayor - Dartford Borough Council

• Cllr. Jeremy Kite MBE - Leader Dartford Borough Council

• Cllr. Chris Shippam - Deputy Leader Dartford Borough Council

• Lieutenant Gurvinder Sandher MBE

• Cllr. Avtar Sandhu MBE

• Cllr. Richard Wells - Dartford Borough Council

• Cllr. Thomas Oliver

Holi (Image: Andy Barnes)