Holika Dahan symbolises the victory of devotion and righteousness over arrogance and evil, based on the legend of Prahlada and Holika. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Ahead of the Holika rituals, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) urged citizens to use dry wood for burning the bonfire, and celebrate the festival responsibly. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Residents smear colours on each other to mark the Holi festivities. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Communities across India gather to light the bonfire symbolising the burning of negativity, evil, and ego. People often circle the fire and offer prayers for prosperity and protection. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

The festival of Holi (Rang Panchami) will be celebrated on Tuesday across Maharashtra. In the North, it will be held on Wednesday. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE

Residents of Mahim Fishermen’s Colony perform Holika Dahan with traditional rituals. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

The bonfire is prepared with cow dung cakes, wood, and dried cow dung. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

The bonfire is lit in an open area, and in some traditions, people offer prayers to Agni (the fire god) while the flames rise, seeking blessings for health and prosperity for the entire year. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

Holi marks the seasonal change to spring, when crops begin to ripen and nature blooms, making it a harvest-spring festival in agrarian communities. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

In Mumbai and Maharashtra, Holika Dahan is commonly celebrated in housing societies, open grounds, and temples, with many people gathering to sing bhajans and perform aarti around the fire. PIC/ASHISH RAJE

On Tuesday, streets across Mumbai will burst into bright hues of gulal—blue, violet, green, saffron, and red—as the city celebrates Holi. PIC/ASHISH RAJE