Hundreds of people gathered in Cork city to celebrate the Indian festival of Holi.
The annual Hindu festival of colour marks the end of winter and start of spring and also symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
Not even the rain could dampen spirits in Cork's Fitzgerald's Park as young and old enjoyed the customary practice of throwing brightly coloured powders over each other and into the air in celebration.
Members of Cork's 7000 strong Indian community, were joined by friends and neighbours, as well as Cork City's Fianna Fáil Lord Mayor Fergal Dennedy, Fine Gael Senator Garret Kelleher and a number of city councillors.
There was also plenty of traditional music and dancing, as well as food.
This is the third year the festival has been held in the city and its popularity continues to grow.
One of the organisers Bishwamitra Thakur said the festival is normally held at the end of winter, start of the summer.
"We say, re-set everything, forget the differences, renew friendships and let's bring colour to life. And we thought the best place to do that is here, everybody, the Indians, the locals, all other nationals, forgetting all their differences, celebrating together".
Asked if the different colours had meaning, Mr Thakur said any colour is fine as long as you have the seven colours to make a rainbow.
That, he said, "is the beauty of life".
