Next week Hindus everywhere will be celebrating Holi, the vibrant festival of colours.

The event will mark the beginning of Spring which takes place on Monday (March 25) – here’s everything you need to know.

What is Holi?

Holi is a two-day long Hindu festival which often falls in March.

It celebrates Krishna, the eighth incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu.

Why is the festival celebrated?

According to the religion’s mythology, it is a story in which good triumphs over evil.

In the legend, a demon king demanded everyone in the kingdom worship him and those who do not will be punished.

But his own son worshipped the deity Vishnu, and so the king enlists the help of his sister to kill him.

She tries to burn the boy by sitting with him on a pyre, while wearing a fire-proof cloak.

But instead, the fire kills her and the son is protected by the coat. After, Vishnu kills the demon king.

What traditions take place?

On the evening before Holi, a bonfire is lit to symbolise the burning of evil spirits.

Small items such as popcorn, chickpeas and coconut are thrown into it.

How is it celebrated?

On the day of Holi, people will sing and dance in the streets, and celebrate by enjoying sweets.

But the most anticipated part of the festivities is where people playfully throw coloured powers, and sometimes waters at each-other.

Often people wear white for this, and everyone is fair game.

What events will there be in Kent?

Cohesion Plus will be hosting a free event on Sunday, March 24 from 11:30am to 3pm.

It will feature the colours, music, food and dance and will take place at the Open Air Theatre in Central Park, Dartford.

Gravesend Hindu Temple will also be celebrating on Saturday, March 23 from 1pm to 4pm.

An entry fee will be £10 and children under five can go free.

The festivities will be held in Fort Gardens in Milton Place.

In Maidstone, an event will take place on Sunday, March 24 at Collis Millennium Green Park.

It will be hosted by Collis Millennium Green Trust and the Maidstone Nepalese Community.

It is free to attend and will run from 12.30pm until 4.30pm.

Various Hindu temples will also be open on Monday, including Medway Hindu Mandir in Canterbury road, Gillingham.

They will be performing bhajans (religious hymns) in the evening.