Holi- The festival of color

Nepal, the multicultural, multireligious, multiethnic country celebrates various festivals throughout the year. As there are 365 days in a year, it celebrates 366 festivals a year. Among them, HOLI is the festival of color celebrated on the full moon day which falls on the month of Falgun, between February and March.

One of the most entertaining festivals in Nepal and India, Holi represents love, affection and mutual respect among the people using vivid colors. On that day, humankind expresses goodwill and benevolence applying colors on the faces.

Although in the past, only Hindus would celebrate this festival, the concept has been changed these days and all the people from different religious harmony come to the streets and seem to be enjoying the festival. As this is a secular country, every religion, culture, and festival are respected by the subjects of the nation.

History of Holi Festival

Although many mythical legends are behind the Holi festival, the demise of Holika is the most popular one. It is concerned with the victory of good over evil. This story started from the Mahabharata, a Hindu religious book.

As the king, Hiranyakashipu did not allow his son Prahlad and others to worship God Vishnu although Prahlad was the great devotee of Vishnu- the protector God. Knowing this, the king tried to kill him using various techniques.

 Once he requested his sister Holika to set fire and burn Prahlad on the night of the full moon. When the fire was set off and Holika and Prahlad sat on the fire. This time Holika burned by the fire and turned into ashes where Prahlad remained unscathed because Lord Vishnu was protecting him all the time. From this day people started to celebrate this festival.

Why play with colors in Holi?

There is another legend behind the celebration of the Holi festival. It is related to the love story of Krishna and Radha. When Krishna was born blue, he had an inferiority complex when he contacted with Radha. Krishna scared that Radha may not communicate with him taking the issue of color difference between them. Then Krishna’s mother suggested he apply color on Radha’s face then there will not be any issue regarding the color.

Holi Festival Dates in Nepal

Holi may not be on the same day because it is decided according to the lunar calendar. The dates of the Holi of the then, now and forthcoming years are;

Holi 2017: Monday, March 12

Holi 2018: Friday, March 01

Holi 2019: Thursday, March 20

Holi 2020: Monday, March 09

Holi 2021: Sunday, March 28

What are the best places to experience Holi in Nepal?

It is celebrated throughout the country for two days. In the Himalayas and Hilly regions, it is celebrated in the full moon day and the Terai region, it is celebrated on the next day.

If you are in the Kathmandu valley you can go Durbar Squares, and the street of Thamel to enjoy this festival. In Pokhara, visit Lakeside and roads where you can find the kids and others looking for sneak up with balloons, multicolor and water-guns. If you are in trekking, you can see the children playing Holi differently.

Conclusion 

As Holi is the festival of harmony, togetherness, and happiness, you should consider several things while celebrating it. You are advised to use skin-friendly colors and dyes while celebrating Holi. The Harmful chemicals on the colors and dyes may cause different problems related to the skin in the days to come.

Using the colors randomly may affect your body creating skin allergies and several other health-related issues. So, celebrate this festival sensibly among your family, friends and beloved ones and beloved ones in an ecologically approachable custom.