KATHMANDU, MARCH 2 Holi, also known as Phagu Poornima, is being celebrated with enthusiasm across the mountainous and hilly districts of the country today, marking the full moon day of the month of Fagun in the lunar calendar. The festival, symbolising the arrival of spring and the victory of truth over falsehood, is observed by smearing colours and splashing coloured water among family, friends and communities. People gather in public spaces singing and dancing to traditional tunes, spreading messages of harmony and goodwill. The government has declared a public holiday in the hill and mountain districts today. The festival will be observed in the Tarai-Madhes region on Tuesday, with a public holiday announced for the region accordingly. President Ramchandra Paudel extended best wishes to Nepalis at home and abroad, expressing hope that the festival would inspire efforts to eliminate social evils and promote indigenous culture and mutual harmony. In a message, the President said Holi represents the triumph of truth over falsehood, justice over injustice and virtue over vice, and carries a tradition of renouncing enmity and celebrating with love and goodwill. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav also conveyed greetings, expressing confidence that the festival would strengthen national unity, social harmony and respect for cultural diversity, and guide the country towards peace and prosperity. Other senior leaders also issued similar messages of goodwill. Devotees thronged the historic Bhimsen Temple, Bhaktapur and other Bhimsen shrines in Bhaktapur for worship on the occasion. It is culturally believed that offering prayers to deity Bhimsen on Phagu Poornima brings prosperity and business growth. Traditional musical ensembles, including Dhime, Fansuri and Dha, accompanied devotees to temples from different localities. The festival is marked by special worship known locally as 'Bhising Pooja' and by sharing Samay Baji. Women dressed in traditional Newari attire, Hakupatasi, participated in rituals before visiting neighbourhoods to celebrate. In Kathmandu Valley, Holi began earlier with the erection of the ceremonial 'Chir' at Basantapur. The festival concludes with the burning of the Chir on the night of the full moon. Police presence in recent years has contributed to more orderly celebrations in the capital, with incidents of unwanted splashing of colours and water balloons significantly reduced, according to locals. Holi, celebrated under different names in the mountains, hills and Tarai-Madhes, remains a vibrant expression of Nepal's ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity, reinforcing social bonds and communal harmony.