Holi is the festival of colours. The Nepali people in the hills and the Madhes mark Holi, the annual spring festival of colors, with joyous celebrations across the country and amongst communities in the diaspora. The holy Holi festival or “Phaguwa”,  popularly known in the Madhes,  takes place on the day of the Phalguna Purnima (Full Moon) and is one of the most famous celebrations in Nepal and India as well as

in other parts of the world where Hindus dwell. At this Hindu festival people celebrate the victory of the good over the bad and the beginning of the spring. Holi reflects the rich Hindu culture around the world. Throwing colours at people and exchanging greetings, good wishes and enjoying the “game of colours”, it’s a fun-making, revitalizing and recreating occasion. It’s a merry-making ceremony by paying a tribute to religion.

Along with traditional Hindu rites and rituals, the holiday is marked by raucous, revelry and mass gatherings where revelers douse each other with colored powder and water. Every street, city and corner of Nepal goes colourful. Social media like Facebook go colorful replete with photos of joyous celebrations of the Holi festival.

Holi has a rich legendary significance. The word “Holi” originates from “Holika”, the evil sister of demon king Hiranyakashipu. King Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon that made him virtually indestructible. The “special powers” blinded him, he grew arrogant, boastfully thought he was God, and demanded that everyone worship only him.

Hiranyakashipu’s own son, Prahlada, however, disagreed. He was and remained devoted to Lord Vishnu. This infuriated Hiranyakashipu. He subjected Prahlada to cruel punishments, none of which affected the boy or his resolve to do what he thought was right. Finally, Holika - Prahlada’s evil aunt - tricked him into sitting on a pyre with her.  Holika was wearing a cloak that made her immune to injury from fire, while Prahlada was not. As the fire roared, the cloak flew from Holika and encased Prahlada.  Holika was burnt to ashes and Prahlada survived. Lord Vishnu appeared and killed Hiranyakashipu.

Nevertheless, Holi is becoming unholy as a result of some hooligans’ rowdy activities like excessive revelry, drinks and sexual harassment of girls. Security is tightened on this day and appeals made to the public to celebrate it in a civilized manner. Play safe, play colorful. Happy Holi!