N EW DELHI — Millions of people in South Asia celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, on Friday by smearing each other with brightly colored powder, dancing to festive music and feasting on traditional sweets prepared for the occasion.

Holi, celebrated with color and traditional festivities across India, emphasized unity amid diversity. Security was tightened in various states coinciding with Ramadan prayers. Political leaders underscored messages of unity while festivities unfolded across regions,

Foreign tourists in Mumbai and Jaipur joined locals in celebrating Holi, experiencing the festival of colours for the first time. At Marine Drive in Mumbai, a tourist from London shared in excitement: “I came here for some work but I also got to enjoy Holi for the first time.