Thousands of Hindu worshippers smeared paint on each other during a festival in India.

Locals and tourists gathered along the Manikarnika Ghat River bank in Varanasi to celebrate the Masan Holi Festival on Tuesday, March 11.

Footage shows devotees dancing and covering one another with vibrant colours and ash from the cremation pyre.

Authorities explained that the tradition centres around acknowledging the cycle of life and death while seeking salvation and spiritual liberation.

Police were also deployed to ensure safety during the event.

Varanasi, known for its unique celebrations of life and death, is one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and is considered one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities.