Holi Festival is one of the most famous traditions among the Hindu community. In other words, it is also considered the festival of love and colors. It is mostly celebrated in March which lies between winter and spring. As this festival is considered the festival of love and colors it is celebrated among family, friends, and a group of people where people enjoy splashing colors and water on each other everyone enjoys and forgets their work and stress. It lasts for one night and a full day long, starting from the evening of the Full moon which is known as “Purnima”. As Holi is considered as spreading love towards each other, they fix their broken relationship and start from the beginning by forgetting their pasts.
It is considered one of the oldest and most traditional festivals among the Hindu community as it has been one of the most famous festivals in Nepal. By giving more priority to this festival it has started to be celebrated by other countries as well. Nowadays this festival is celebrated all around the world. As is a traditional culture of Hindus and the festival within Asia, people around Europe and America have also started celebrating it by spreading their love towards others.
How is Holi started?
According to the ancient period, it used to be celebrated with a bonfire which indicates the opening ceremony of the festival. At this bonfire, people mostly gather together and enjoy their evenings by performing various religious rituals. These tasks take place on the night of Purnima (Full Moon). The task of making bonfires is to destroy the evil within themselves. Similarly, this task is done according to an ancient incident where Honika was destroyed who was the sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu.
The main Holi is celebrated the next morning where people start their day by applying colors to their friends and families. People fight within two teams where they shoot water balloons at each other. They use water guns to attack each other. Everyone
celebrates this day as no one is left behind. On this occasion every one of the society is involved in it, friends, families, strangers, rich, poor everyone is considered as a part of the festival so they enjoy among themselves. These tasks are mostly held on open grounds, parks, buildings, and temples. On this occasion, people organize concerts and parties so that they can enjoy themselves.
In the context of Nepal, the Holi festival plays a very significant role in the Nepali community as this festival brings joy to everyone. This day is considered a Public holiday and all the citizens are allowed to celebrate this festival. Friends and Families gather together on this day where they splash watercolors among themselves and enjoy their day. This festival has been famous among young age groups and children; they celebrate 2 days before the event. They start creating Holi vibes in society. The excitement of children creates a different environment which brings happiness to people
Why is Holi celebrated?
According to ancient times, it is believed that Holi is celebrated to protect people from spreading different kinds of diseases as the season changes from winter to spring so it creates a positive vibe to control the diseases from spreading within the group of people. As we are aware of the festivals and funs people have by pouring water and colors within themselves, Traditionally, the manufacture of the colors that were done with the help of different flowers through which different types of colors were created. Similarly, rather than flowers, the colors are also made with the help of different herbs such as Mehndi, Turmeric, and other beneficial herbs. According to medical science, the celebration of these herbal colors is positively efficient for our body and skin. The herbs used to make colors are also used for making medicine to cure different diseases. But in today’s context, the colors used in this festival are no longer made through medicinal herbs. The manufacturing of these colors is made through different chemicals and other materials but still, people use these colors and enjoy their day.
How are Holi and its celebrations in Nepal?
Before the beginning of this festival, children start to celebrate within a week of Holi. According to some famous spots in Kathmandu valley such as Basantapur Durbar Square, a pole will be placed which is called lingo which is made up of bamboo sticks wrapped up with white cloth in which different colors are applied in it. This act is done several days before the occasion of Holi. So on the day of Purnima (Full Moon), the bamboo stick is burned which represents the start of this festival. In other words, this act is done in other to symbolize the end of Holika. This event “Holika Dahan” is performed by various groups and religions as is it believed that it is the winning against evil. As children and youths enjoy this festival by splashing waters and colors on each other this is one of the most important aspects of the culture of the Hindu community.
The celebration of Holi in Nepal takes 2 official days first day of this festival is celebrated in the city area which is known as the hilly region and the second day of this festival is celebrated by the people living in the Terai area. People often take blessings with their elders before playing Holi as a make of safety. In this way, people can start playing with colors and water.
How to enjoy Holi in Nepal?
As Holi is a festival and a traditional part of Nepal that doesn’t mean Holi is only celebrated by the Nepali people. Holi is a joyous festival where all casts, and religions, there is no restriction in celebrating the event. As per the events, different places organize different programs such as dancing, singing, and concerts so enjoying Holi in Nepal is a lifetime experience. If you are a tourist and visiting Nepal in March, then you must celebrate the Holi festival and be involved in it.
Things to be considered while playing Holi
- Cover your electronic devices with a plastic bag or zip bag
- Wear cotton and white clothes
- Avoid leather goods
- Wear a goggle or glasses to protect your eyes from colors
- Play Holi with families and friends
- Don’t drink and drive