Holi celebrations in Los Angeles this weekend

Holi — the Hindu Spring festival — occurs Friday across the world. In Los Angeles, Hindus and non-Hindus alike take part in events called color festivals.

The festival is among the largest in the Hindu faith, especially outside of India. The day marks the mythic victory of the god Vishnu over the villainous king Hiranyakashipu.

In the West, Holi is most often recognized for festivals in which participants throw brightly-colored powders at one another. The colors are extracted from plant sources, and are believed to ward off illness.

Several color festivals are planned in L.A. this weekend and beyond:

• HoliHypeLA is scheduled for Saturday on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Proceeds from the festival will go towards SevaSphere, a nonprofit dedicated to solving food and housing insecurity in L.A. Organizers have specified an all-white dress code.
• Holi Beach Festival will take place in Redondo Beach on Saturday. The event will include a music festival featuring Bollywood, Pop and Afro Beat songs. Tickets are available at EventBrite, with discounts on offer for groups of five or more.
• The PopShift Holi Festival of Colors is open to those of 18 years of age or older. It will be held Sunday in downtown L.A. from 3-7 p.m., and features D.J. and musical performances from Vani, Club Kiko and others.
• The free Festival of Colors & Friendship is scheduled at Woodley Avenue on Sunday. Organizers promise “organic colors and full on Desi food,” as well as three DJ performances.

Holi & The Beach will be held in Redondo Beach from March 29 to 30. The event is for all ages, and will include Bollywood DJs, food vendors, and special guests. Tickets are required.