Holi excitement was felt across Basantapur

Kathmandu – Holi (Phagu Poornima) was celebrated with joy and enthusiasm across the Kathmandu Valley and hilly districts today, while a public holiday was observed in the hilly and Himalayan districts on the occasion. In line with national tradition, the festival was marked on the full moon day of Falgun in the hilly and Himalayan regions, and it was scheduled to be celebrated the following day in the Terai and inner Madhesh districts.

Large crowds were drawn to Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the historic palace premises were turned into a vibrant gathering point. Hundreds of foreign tourists visiting Nepal were seen joining local participants, with colors and gulal being applied and Holi greetings being exchanged throughout the ancient courtyard.

Holi was observed as a festival symbolizing the triumph of truth over falsehood and good over evil. The message of harmony, friendship, and goodwill was emphasized, as anger and resentment were set aside, and the occasion was celebrated with family and friends through the sharing of colors.

The festival was traditionally initiated with the erection of the ‘Chir,’ a pole decorated with multi-colored cloth, in the Basantapur Durbar area. The celebrations were concluded with the burning of the ‘Chir’ on the night of the full moon, in accordance with long-established custom.

Greetings were extended on the occasion by Mr. Ram Chandra Paudel, President of Nepal, and Ms. Sushila Karki, Prime Minister of Nepal, along with senior leaders of major political parties. A respectful, dignified, and culturally appropriate celebration was urged.

Meanwhile, a warning was issued by the police administration that unruly acts, forced application of colors, and indiscriminate throwing of colors and water balloons would not be tolerated. Legal action was cautioned against individuals found violating public order and safety regulations in the name of Holi.