A splash of fun and colour at Auckland's Holi Festival

The air was filled with blues and greens, reds and yellows as thousands of people turned out to this year's Festival of Colour in Auckland.

About 7000 people attended the Krishna Holi Festival held at the Hare Krishna Temple in Kumeu yesterday.

An annual event celebrated in India, it recognises the victory of good over evil and the beginning of Spring in India. It is also a time for forgiveness, love and laughter and new beginnings.

Programme manager Dharmesh Parikh said the festival's popularity had become increasingly popular over the years, as people from all backgrounds and ages took part in the colourful display.

People enjoyed the fun of it and getting the chance to take part in a huge display of colourful mess.

"There is religious significance as well as traditional.

"It's really bringing back a slice of home here. It allows us to share with our friends and whanau here, about India."

He said some families chose to just come out to watch and share a meal together at the temple.

But there is no denying the popularity of the main event and organisers ensured top quality biodegradable and skin-friendly colour powders were imported especially for the festival.