The Hindu festival of Holi celebrates spring and the triumph of good over evil.

Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated in Hindu communities across South Asia on Sunday and Monday with the traditional festivities, which include throwing colourful paint, powder and water on revellers.

The event began on Sunday evening and will continue till nightfall on Monday.

The Hindu festival is a welcoming of spring and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil.

Pakistani Hindu children celebrate holi in Karachi on March 12.— AFP

A Nepalese man with coloured powder on face dances during Holi festivities at the Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu, Nepal, Sunday.— AP

Indian Hindu devotees take part in celebrations for the Holi festival at a Temple in Siliguri on March 13. — AFP

Women from the Pakistani Hindu community smear each others faces with colour to celebrate Holi at a temple in Lahore.— AP

Indian youth play with colours during Holi celebrations in Chennai.— AFP

Indian revellers play with colours during celebrations for the Holi festival in Siliguri.— AFP

Pakistani youths pose with their faces covered with colour to celebrate Holi at a temple in Karachi.— AP

Indian youth play with colours during Holi celebrations in Chennai on March 12.— AFP

Men, whose faces are smeared with coloured powders, react as they celebrate Holi in Agartala, India March 13.— Reuters

Indian students play with coloured powders as they celebrate Holi.— AFP

A girl prepares to apply coloured powder during celebration of Holi, in Kolkata, India, Sunday.— AP

Indians dance on street and celebrate Holi in Kolkata, India.— AP

Indian children spray water during Holi celebrations in Jammu, Sunday, March 12.— AP