Holi

Holi is a spring festival, known as the festival of colours. It is an ancient Hindu religious festival that has become widely popular even amongst the non-Hindus in many parts of South Asia, as well as in communities outside Asia. It is observed anywhere in the world where Hindus celebrate it, and other join them in the celebration. The festival is celebrated by drenching each other in colourful waters and throwing and applying colours to each other. Holi is observed in Kathmandu and other hilly regions of Nepal one day before celebrating in the Terai region.

Holi is also known as “Fagu Purnima” as it is celebrated on the full moon day of the month Falgun. Holi celebrations start with a Holika bonfire on the night before Holi where people gather, sing and dance. The next morning is a free-for-all carnival of colours, where participants play, chase and colour each other with dry powder and coloured water, with some carrying water guns and coloured water-filled balloons for their water fight. A popular activity is the throwing of water balloons at one another, sometimes called ‘lola’. Also a lot of people mix ‘bhang’ in their drinks and food. It is believed that the combination of different colours at this festival take all the sorrow away and make life itself more colourful.