Celebrating love, spring and new life this Holi

Students from the University of Sunderland have come together to celebrate Holi, marking the beginning of spring in the Hindu calendar.

Also known as the Festival of Colours, students joined in the festivities at the University's City Campus by throwing coloured powder on one another.

Throwing colour symbolises the love and affection that the deities Radha and Krishna have for one another. It also marks the triumph of good over evil, commemorating the victory of Vishnu as Narasimha over Hiranyakashipu.

Karan Kumar, who studies International Business Management at the University, said: "It’s my first time celebrating Holi in Sunderland since moving from India.

"To celebrate this festival and enjoy Holi with the community here is very exciting."

Computer Science student, Swostika Neupane, said: “It feels like we are back at home.

"It’s so important to be able to celebrate Holi with the friends I have here at the University. It’s a lot of fun."