Kathmandu, March 2
The festival of colours, Holi, is being celebrated with joy and enthusiasm today in Kathmandu Valley as well as in hilly districts. On the occasion of Phagu, or Holi, the government has also declared a public holiday in the hilly districts today.
Every year, Holi is joyfully celebrated on the full moon day of Falgun in the hilly and Himalayan districts, and the following day in the Terai and inner Madhesh districts.
Holi is celebrated as a festival marking the victory of truth over falsehood, justice over injustice, and virtue over vice. It is a tradition during Holi to set aside all anger and resentment, and to enjoy the occasion with family and friends by applying colours and gulal, sharing love and warmth.
Holi is also traditionally celebrated as a festival that conveys the message of harmony, friendship, and goodwill.
The festival begins with raising a pole decorated with colourful cloth, called chir, and concludes on the night of the full moon after the chir is burned.
On this occasion, President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, and top leaders of political parties have extended their greetings and urged everyone to celebrate Holi in a respectful and dignified manner.
The police administration has warned people not to engage in unruly activities or indiscriminately throw colours and water balloons in the name of Holi, and has cautioned that legal action will be taken against those who violate the rules.
