Kathmandu, March 14

Holi, the festival of colours, traditionally started with the installation of a chir (bamboo pole) decorated with pieces of colourful clothes, on the premises of Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in Basantapur today.

The erection of chir symbolises the tree on which Hindu deity Krishna is said to have hung milkmaids’ clothes while they were bathing in the Jamuna River in India, according to the legend. As the pole is put up on the street at Basantapur, the festivities last for a week. However, the main day of Holi will be celebrated on March 20 in the hilly districts and on March 21 in the Tarai.

Holi is celebrated as a festival of reconciliation as revellers leave negative feelings like anger and animosity aside and put colours on each other’s faces.

People from different walks of life, age, and caste enjoy Holi in Nepal with colour, delicious food, music, and dance. The festival also symbolises the victory of good over evil. Named after the mythical demoness Holika, it is a day when the festival of colours is celebrated.