Mumbai rings in local new year with 'Gudi Padwa' festival

Huge crowds of Hindu devotees packed the streets of a southern Mumbai neighbourhood on Thursday, to celebrate the "Gudi Padwa" festival, which marks new year in the western state of Maharashtra.

The festival heralds the arrival of spring and is celebrated with colourful floor decorations called rangoli, street processions, dancing, festive foods and prayers. "Gudi" means the flag of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, according to Hindus, and "Padwa" means the first day of the lunar phase.