"smear faces"

#12823267

3 October 2025

A man smears vermillion on a woman's face during Sindoor Khela on the last day of Durga Puja celebrations in Mumbai, India, on October 2, 2025.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12823268

3 October 2025

A man smears vermillion on a woman's face during Sindoor Khela on the last day of Durga Puja celebrations in Mumbai, India, on October 2, 2025.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12515453

29 June 2025

A Nepali farmer smears mud on her face as she works in the field to transplant paddy saplings on the outskirts of Lalitpur District, Nepal, on June 29, 2025, as the nation marks ''National Paddy Day,'' celebrating rice and rituals. Soaking in mud and water, farmers continuously work in the field, leveling the mud to ensure an even level and continuous flow of water, creating a favorable topography for the paddy saplings to grow. The plantation of paddy saplings in the field, known as ''Ropain,'' holds high significance for farmers in Nepal, primarily during the monsoon season, which starts in June and lasts for four months. While planting the saplings, farmers run behind each other, smearing mud on faces and splashing muddy water as a means of fun. These activities are prominent in the Himalayan nation on the 15th of Ashar, marked as National Paddy Day since 2005, which was earlier marked as the day to indicate the start of the cultivation season with the onset of the monsoon. As farmers gather, a feast is thrown, which includes beaten rice, curd, pickle, and homemade brew. Because of this long-standing tradition of having victuals, Ashar-15 is also known as ''Dahi (Curd)-Chiura (Beaten-rice)'' eating day.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12515454

29 June 2025

A Nepali farmer smears mud on her face as she works in the field to transplant paddy saplings on the outskirts of Lalitpur District, Nepal, on June 29, 2025, as the nation marks ''National Paddy Day,'' celebrating rice and rituals. Soaking in mud and water, farmers continuously work in the field, leveling the mud to ensure an even level and continuous flow of water, creating a favorable topography for the paddy saplings to grow. The plantation of paddy saplings in the field, known as ''Ropain,'' holds high significance for farmers in Nepal, primarily during the monsoon season, which starts in June and lasts for four months. While planting the saplings, farmers run behind each other, smearing mud on faces and splashing muddy water as a means of fun. These activities are prominent in the Himalayan nation on the 15th of Ashar, marked as National Paddy Day since 2005, which was earlier marked as the day to indicate the start of the cultivation season with the onset of the monsoon. As farmers gather, a feast is thrown, which includes beaten rice, curd, pickle, and homemade brew. Because of this long-standing tradition of having victuals, Ashar-15 is also known as ''Dahi (Curd)-Chiura (Beaten-rice)'' eating day.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12260686

13 April 2025

A woman smears powder onto another participant's face, in Ayutthaya, Thailand, on april 13, 2025.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12153090

13 March 2025

Foreign tourists smear colors on each other's faces as they celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2025. The festival, also called the Spring festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The first day of the festival is called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan, and the second day is Dhuleti or Holi. Holika Dahan, the death of Holika, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is marked by lighting a bonfire and performing a special Puja to burn evil spirits. The next day, people smear one another with different colors, including Abir or red vermilion powder. Among various cultural festivals celebrated in Nepal, Fagu Poornima carries its own specialty and significance. People of all ages participate in the festival with enthusiasm. As one of the widely observed festivals in the country, it begins on the eighth day of the new moon and ends with the burning of the 'Chir', which is installed earlier.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12153105

13 March 2025

Foreign tourists smear colors on each other's faces as they celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 13, 2025. The festival, also called the Spring festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The first day of the festival is called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan, and the second day is Dhuleti or Holi. Holika Dahan, the death of Holika, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is marked by lighting a bonfire and performing a special Puja to burn evil spirits. The next day, people smear one another with different colors, including Abir or red vermilion powder. Among various cultural festivals celebrated in Nepal, Fagu Poornima carries its own specialty and significance. People of all ages participate in the festival with enthusiasm. As one of the widely observed festivals in the country, it begins on the eighth day of the new moon and ends with the burning of the 'Chir', which is installed earlier.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12132112

7 March 2025

Nepali revelers smear vermillion powder on each other's faces after erecting the sacred bamboo pole, Chir, at Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 7, 2025. The bamboo, which is 32 feet long and six inches thick, is suitable to be erected as Chir with pieces of cloth tied on its three layers of umbrella-like structure, symbolizing Nepali gods and goddesses. The tradition of erecting the ''Chir'' is believed to have its historical roots in the story of Prahlad from the medieval period. Prahlad's aunt, Holika, sits on fire with Prahlad on her lap to kill him, but she gets burned down instead, leaving Prahlad unaffected. This story is related to the erection of Chir as its symbol. To mark the death of Holika, who had the boon to remain unaffected by fire but gets burned down, and to celebrate the victory of godliness over devil forces, Holi is believed to have started, and the burning of Chir is based on it.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12132116

7 March 2025

Nepali revelers smear vermillion powder on each other's faces after erecting the sacred bamboo pole, Chir, at Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 7, 2025. The bamboo, which is 32 feet long and six inches thick, is suitable to be erected as Chir with pieces of cloth tied on its three layers of umbrella-like structure, symbolizing Nepali gods and goddesses. The tradition of erecting the ''Chir'' is believed to have its historical roots in the story of Prahlad from the medieval period. Prahlad's aunt, Holika, sits on fire with Prahlad on her lap to kill him, but she gets burned down instead, leaving Prahlad unaffected. This story is related to the erection of Chir as its symbol. To mark the death of Holika, who had the boon to remain unaffected by fire but gets burned down, and to celebrate the victory of godliness over devil forces, Holi is believed to have started, and the burning of Chir is based on it.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#12132121

7 March 2025

Nepali revelers smear vermillion powder on each other's faces after erecting the sacred bamboo pole, Chir, at Basantapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 7, 2025. The bamboo, which is 32 feet long and six inches thick, is suitable to be erected as Chir with pieces of cloth tied on its three layers of umbrella-like structure, symbolizing Nepali gods and goddesses. The tradition of erecting the ''Chir'' is believed to have its historical roots in the story of Prahlad from the medieval period. Prahlad's aunt, Holika, sits on fire with Prahlad on her lap to kill him, but she gets burned down instead, leaving Prahlad unaffected. This story is related to the erection of Chir as its symbol. To mark the death of Holika, who had the boon to remain unaffected by fire but gets burned down, and to celebrate the victory of godliness over devil forces, Holi is believed to have started, and the burning of Chir is based on it.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#11095050

24 March 2024

Children are setting off colored smoke while celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 24, 2024. Thousands of locals and tourists have gathered on Sunday at the ancient palace courtyard to mark the festival with fervor and gaiety. The festival, also known as the Spring festival, signifies the arrival of spring and the harvest season. Celebrated for two days in the Hills and Terai, people are coming out of their homes to smear colors on each other's faces and exchange greetings. According to Hindu mythology, demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad's devotion to the god Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Following her brother's instructions, Holika, who had a boon that fire would not harm her, sat in the fire with Prahlad on her lap but was burnt to death, while Prahlad remained unharmed due to the blessing of god Vishnu. Since then, the festival, also known as Holi, is celebrated by joyfully smearing color. It is also said that Lord Vishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#11095053

24 March 2024

Foreign nationals are dancing to the beats of traditional Nepali musical instruments as they participate in celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 24, 2024. Thousands of locals and tourists have gathered at the ancient palace courtyard on Sunday to mark the festival with fervor and gaiety. The festival, also known as the Spring festival, signifies the arrival of spring and the harvest season. Celebrated for two days in the Hills and Terai, people are coming out of their homes to smear colors on each other's faces and exchange greetings. According to Hindu mythology, demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad's devotion to the God Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Following her brother's instructions, Holika, who had a boon that fire would not harm her, sat on fire with Prahlad on her lap but was burnt to death while Prahlad remained unharmed due to the blessing of God Vishnu. Since then, the festival also known as Holi is celebrated by joyfully smearing color. There is also a saying that Lord Vishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#11095057

24 March 2024

A foreign national is gesturing as she participates in the mass celebration of the festival of Holi, the festival of colors, at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 24, 2024. Thousands of locals and tourists are gathering at the ancient palace courtyard to mark the festival with fervor and gaiety on this Sunday. The festival, also known as the Spring festival, signifies the arrival of spring and the harvest season. Celebrated for two days in the Hills and Terai, people are coming out of their homes to smear colors on each other's faces and exchange greetings. According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad's devotion to the God Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Following her brother's instructions, Holika, who had a boon that fire would not harm her, sat on fire with Prahlad on her lap but was burnt to death, while Prahlad remained unharmed due to the blessing of God Vishnu. Since then, the festival also known as Holi is celebrated by smearing color with enjoyment. It is also said that Lord Vishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#11095058

24 March 2024

A foreign national is gesturing as she participates in the mass celebration of the festival of Holi, the festival of colors, at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 24, 2024. Thousands of locals and tourists are gathering at the ancient palace courtyard to mark the festival with fervor and gaiety on this Sunday. The festival, also known as the Spring festival, signifies the arrival of spring and the harvest season. Celebrated for two days in the Hills and Terai, people are coming out of their homes to smear colors on each other's faces and exchange greetings. According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad's devotion to the God Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Following her brother's instructions, Holika, who had a boon that fire would not harm her, sat on fire with Prahlad on her lap but was burnt to death, while Prahlad remained unharmed due to the blessing of God Vishnu. Since then, the festival also known as Holi is celebrated by smearing color with enjoyment. It is also said that Lord Vishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#11095060

24 March 2024

Foreign nationals are dancing to the beats of traditional Nepali musical instruments as they participate in celebrating Holi, the festival of colors, at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 24, 2024. Thousands of locals and tourists have gathered at the ancient palace courtyard on Sunday to mark the festival with fervor and gaiety. The festival, also known as the Spring festival, signifies the arrival of spring and the harvest season. Celebrated for two days in the Hills and Terai, people are coming out of their homes to smear colors on each other's faces and exchange greetings. According to Hindu mythology, demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad's devotion to the God Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Following her brother's instructions, Holika, who had a boon that fire would not harm her, sat on fire with Prahlad on her lap but was burnt to death while Prahlad remained unharmed due to the blessing of God Vishnu. Since then, the festival also known as Holi is celebrated by joyfully smearing color. There is also a saying that Lord Vishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#11095070

24 March 2024

Nepali revelers are taking part in the Holi celebration, the festival of colors, in Kathmandu, Nepal, on March 24, 2024. Thousands of locals and tourists are gathering at the ancient palace courtyard to mark the festival with fervor and gaiety on Sunday. The festival, also known as the Spring festival, signifies the arrival of spring and the harvest season. Celebrated for two days in the Hills and Terai, people are coming out of their homes to smear colors on each other's faces and exchange greetings. According to a Hindu myth, the demon king Hiranyakashyapu, who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the God Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahlad. Following her brother's instructions, Holika, who had a boon from the god that fire would not harm her, sat on fire with Prahlad on her lap but was burnt to death while Prahlad remained unhurt due to the blessing of God Vishnu. From then onwards, the festival, also known as Holi, is celebrated by smearing color with enjoyment. There is also a saying that Lord Vishnu had told Holika that the boon she had received would be meaningless if it was misused.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.