Holi Festival begins with ‘chir’ installation at Basantapur, Kathmandu

Kathmandu: The ceremonial chir, symbolizing the start of the Holi festival, was installed at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu today (Tuesday) morning, formally marking the beginning of Holi (Fagu) celebrations in the capital and across the country.

A three-tiered structure decorated with colorful flags was placed at the traditional site to the south of the Gaddi Baithak inside the Hanumandhoka Durbar complex. In keeping with long-observed practice, Holi is considered to have begun nationwide after the Chir is installed on Falgun Shukla Ashtami.

The ritual was carried out by members of the Manandhar community, and the start of the festival was announced as abir (colored powder) was exchanged among participants.

Holi-related observances were also conducted today at major cultural and religious sites. Colorful pieces of cloth were hung at Pashupati, Sundari Chowk of Hanumandhoka Durbar, and at the premises of the Krishna Temple in Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur.

According to the festival calendar, the main days of Holi this year fall on Falgun 18 and 19. A public holiday has been declared on Falgun 18 in the Himalayan and hilly districts, while a holiday has been announced on Falgun 19 in the Tarai/Madhesh districts.

During the Chir installation ceremony at Basantapur, ceremonial music was performed by a team of the Nepali Army, and gun salutes were fired as part of the observance. Locals were seen gathering around the Basantapur Durbar area to witness the ritual, with celebrations continuing as abir was shared among attendees.