Holi Festival of Nepal

Holi festival of Nepal is celebrated in many parts of the area except the High hilly region. Holi Festival is not much celebrated in Everest Region. similarly, mountain areas like Manaslu circuit trek route, Dhaulagiri circuit trek, and Annapurna region also do not celebrate this festival.  It is a festival of joy and colors that marks the onset of springtime. During the Holi Festival, people gather to celebrate by throwing colored powder and robing each other of family members and relatives.  Some of the young generations throw colored mixed water, plain water from a jug, plastic packs, and balloons. 

After enjoying the color they start Singing, Dancing, and feasting. It is also a time for remembering and honoring the Hindu gods and Goddesses. Holi festival is believed to have originated from an ancient Hindu legend.

According to the legend, a powerful demon king named Hiranyakashipu had a son Pralhad. Despite the king’s attempts to turn Pralhad away from worshipping the god Vishnu, Pralhad remains steadfast in his faith. In a fit of rage, the king asked his sister, Holika, to take Prahlad into the fire. Holika had a magical shawl that would protect her from the fire flames, but it ended up. Protecting Pralhad instead and Holika was burned to death. This event is celebrated as Holi and it is a reminder of the victory of good over Evil.

Holi is a two-day festival that starts on the evening of the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalgun which falls in February or March. this month is the best time for trekking and touring in Nepal the major cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and  Chitwan celebrate this festival on the full moon day, and in the Terai belt, they celebrate next day.   The First day is called Holika Dahan and the second day is called Rangoli Holi. 

In the context of Nepal, the first day was celebrated in the mid-hill region and hilly region. The second day is celebrated in the Terai region. People enjoy this festival get-together and make a plan for the upcoming Nepali New Year.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

Holi festival is believed to have originated as a harvest festival and has evolved to become a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. The festival is associated with several mythological stories of Prahlad and Holika.  The love story of Radha and Krishna and the legend of lord Shive and Kamadeva. It is more about the myth of this celebration. But usually, Hindu people enjoy this festival much more in Nepal and India. 

1. Holika Dahan

On the first day of Holi, people light a flare to symbolize the victory of good over evil. The bonfire is called Holika Dahan and is generally lit in the evening people gather around the bonfire and offer prayers to lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. 

2. Rangwali Holi

The second day of Holi is identified as Rangwali Holi or Dhulandi. It is the day when people smear colored powder or Gulal. On each other and splash water. The tradition of throwing colors is said to have originated from the story of Lord Krishna and his friends. They used to play pranks and throw colors at each other with friends. 

3. Dhulandi

Dhulandi is the day after people play with several colors and water. It is also a day of feasting, singing, and dancing. People visit their friends and family, exchange greetings, and share sweet and snack food. It is far more associated with people getting organized.

Safety and Eco-friendly Tips for Holi

A. Protect your skin and eyes

The colored powder used during Holi can cause skin irritation and eye problems. To protect your skin, apply a layer of oil or moisturizer before playing with colors. You better wear sunglasses or use a scarf to cover your eyes.

B. Avoid wastage of Water

Water is a precious resource and wastage of water during Holi can lead to water Scarcity. Use Water responsibly and avoid excessive use of water during Holi celebrations.

C. Use Eco-friendly Colours

Most of the Holi colors Available in the Market contain harmful Chemicals that can cause Skin Allergies and other health Problems. Opt for natural and eco-friendly colors made with flowers fruits and vegetable extracts.   

Traditional Holi food and Drinks

Normally, in the contest Nepal, we do not have a special dish to eat during the Holi festival. But more to India and low land of Nepal make some special food which is dedicated to local people and their food. Some of the food is like this Gujiya, Rainbow Colored pasta salad, Dahi Bhalla, Thandai, Mango lassi with a Twist, and Holi Inspired Cocktail.

Region-wise celebration 

Kathmandu Holi

In Kathmandu, the Capital of Nepal, Holi is celebrated with great fervor. The most popular activity is the throwing of colored powder and water balloons at each other. People from all walks of life come together to participate in this traditional practice. After power throwing, there is a celebratory feast consisting of traditional Nepali delicacies such as Gundruk, Selroti, and various Curries. Normally in this day, people don’t eat meat.

Bhaktapur Holi

Bhaktapur is another major city in Kathmandu valley that is very famous for celebrating the vibrant Festival. A group of people gather in the temple area or courtyard and perform a traditional Nepali dance called Dhime. They dance in a circle, singing and clapping along to the music. While throwing color powder at each other. The celebrations in Bhaktapur usually last for two days and involve feasting on traditional food.

Chitwan Holi

Chitwan Holi Is celebrated with great pomp and show. People gather in the local junction and they play high volume music and dance at road throwing the color and water from home and enjoy much by young aged people.  

Pokhara Holi

Holi in Pokhara is marked with unique customs. People gather in the courtyard of the local temple and celebrate by performing the traditional Tiger Dance. This involves two people dressed up as tigers, who perform choreographed movements and dance in a circle. After the dance, they smear each other with vibrant colors and enjoy feasting on Traditional Nepali delicacies. 

Conclusion 

Holi is a holiday of colors, Happiness, closeness, and togetherness. It is an interval to have a good time for the arrival of spring. Re-united the friendship and supported the relationship. Following the festival, it connects with our culture and heritage, and enjoys the spirit of the Festival. Let’s celebrate Holi safely, and responsibly and make it a memorable involvement for everyone.