Indians began prayers to cow dung shrines for the start of the Holi festival.

Footage shows devotees gathering around piles of dried faeces, representing Holika, in the streets on March 13.

Women wearing vibrant red traditional saris can be seen circling the structure, while others wrap colourful threads around it.

Before the Holika Dahan fire is lit, people pray at the shrine, applying turmeric, kumkum, and flowers as offerings.

Men then add dried cow dung to the bonfire before setting it alight.

Worshippers holding plants attached to a pole place them onto the burning shrine as part of the ritual.

Cow dung is considered pure and sacred in Hinduism. Some devotees even rub it on themselves or it eat.

Holi is a vibrant Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring, marked by colourful powder-throwing, music, and festive gatherings. The festival commemorates the victory of Vishnu's devotee, Prahlad, over his tyrannical father, King Hiranyakashipu, and the burning of the demoness Holika, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.