Spring Colors: Hill Districts Celebrate Holi Today

Kathmandu: The festival of Holi is being celebrated today with great enthusiasm across the hill districts of the country. This festival of colors, observed with the arrival of the spring season, holds significant religious, cultural, and social importance.

According to tradition, the formal beginning of Holi was marked a few days ago with the installation of the ceremonial pole (Chir) at the Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu. A public holiday has been granted today in the Valley and other hill districts, where people are celebrating the festival by playing with colors and vermilion powder in a spirit of mutual harmony.

Holi is regarded as a symbol of the victory of truth over falsehood. Based on mythological beliefs, this festival—linked to the story of devotee Prahlad and Holika—is believed to convey the message of the triumph of truth over evil.

Since early morning in the hill districts, groups ranging from children to youth have been out playing with vermilion, water, and colors. The tradition of meeting family and relatives, exchanging well-wishes, and enjoying delicious food continues.

Meanwhile, the administration has urged the public to celebrate Holi in a disciplined and safe manner. Citizens have been advised to avoid undesirable activities in public places and to use eco-friendly colors. In the Terai districts, Holi will be celebrated tomorrow according to tradition.