The most colorful festival of Hindus celebrated in Nepal, is Falgu Purnima or Holi. It is one of the most enjoyable festivals where people are carefree, and celebrate with their full heart. Holi represents the triumph of god over the devil. It is associated with happiness and joy and brings togetherness and playfulness.

Holi takes place on the full moon day in Falgun month – the 11th month of the Nepali calendar, either in February or March depending on Lunar Calendar. It is also celebrated to welcome the beautiful spring season. The cultural significance of Holi among Hindu traditions is high and is a perfect occasion to let go of your past errors, conflicts, and forgive everyone.

According to the 17th-century literature, Holi is celebrated to honor agriculture, commemorate good spring harvest, and fertile land. The festival is full of colors that represent the abundant colors the spring season brings. The festival is also celebrated in India and is common as Chir Haran or Holika Dahan. People erect wooden pole and pray it for blessings. Holi is a perfect festival to enjoy in a carefree way with friends and families, get a break from office or school, and eat delicious foods and drinks.

The festival is celebrated on the first day in the Hilly and Mountain regions while on the second day in the Terai region. People gather together to put powder colors on each other. Some also paint their face. Water splashes are seen everywhere and kids enjoy this festival the most. Several events take place all over the country like concerts and pool parties where different singers and bands perform while the audience enjoys putting color on each other along with the music playing on the background. Major events take place in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Chitwan, Butwal, etc.

The streets are full of crowd and everyone becomes known to one another at this festival. You never know when some stranger comes and put color on your face and greet Happy Holi, and you are expected to do the same. People wear white clothes, especially the ones with Happy Holi printed. Kids and youths form their groups and celebrate the festival in their neighborhood or schools.

Tips for Celebrating Holi in Nepal:

• In order to look alike the crowd, wear a white t-shirt or white top. But make sure you are ready to throw the t-shirt at the end of the day, as the colors will ruin it. You can find a cheap one-time-use white t-shirt all over the market a few days ahead of the festival.

• Do not wear jewelry or expensive items that can get lost or ruined due to crowd and colors.

• Cover your phones and cameras with plastic bags to protect it from water splashes.

• If you are around Kathmandu, visit Durbar Squares which are full of people, fun, and events.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from colors. You can also cover your hair with a shawl or cap to avoid colors in your hair.