Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” is one of the most popular and widely celebrated festivals in Nepal. This festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by people of all ages, religions, and social backgrounds throughout the country. The festival of Holi is believed to have originated in India and has been celebrated for thousands of years. It is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Phalguna, which usually falls in late February or early March. This blog will delve into the details of the Holi festival in Nepal, including its history, significance, and how it is celebrated.
History of Holi Festival in Nepal:
The history of the Holi festival in Nepal is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to Hindu legend, the festival commemorates the victory of good over evil. The story goes that there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu, who had obtained a boon from Lord Brahma that made him invincible. He became arrogant and demanded that everyone in his kingdom worship him as a god. However, his son Prahlad refused to worship him and instead chose to worship Lord Vishnu. The king became furious and ordered his sister, Holika, who was immune to fire, to enter a burning pyre with Prahlad in her lap. However, the divine protection of Lord Vishnu saved Prahlad, and Holika was burnt to ashes. The festival is thus known as “Holika Dahan,” which means the burning of Holika.
Significance of Holi Festival in Nepal:
The Holi festival is celebrated to welcome the arrival of spring and to commemorate the victory of good over evil. It is also a time for people to forgive and forget, to let go of grudges and ill feelings, and to start anew. The festival is a symbol of love, unity, and harmony, and it brings people of different castes, creeds, and religions together.
Celebration of Holi Festival in Nepal:
The Holi festival in Nepal is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, and it lasts for two days. The first day is known as “Chhoti Holi” or “Holika Dahan.” On this day, people gather in public spaces, including temples, streets, and parks, to light a bonfire and perform a ritual known as “Holika Dahan.” The bonfire is lit with dried wood, leaves, and cow dung, and it is believed to symbolize the burning of evil and negativity.
On the second day of the festival, which is known as “Rangwali Holi” or “Dhulandi,” people gather in the streets, homes, and public places to play with colors. People smear each other with colored powder and water, and they use water guns, water balloons, and sprinklers to drench each other in water. The colors used during the festival are made from natural ingredients such as flowers, herbs, and vegetables, and they are considered to be a symbol of joy and happiness.
Apart from the traditional customs, people also prepare special food and sweets for the festival. One of the most popular sweets prepared during the festival is “Gujiya,” which is a fried pastry filled with sweetened khoya and dry fruits. Other popular foods include “Thandai,” which is a milk-based drink flavored with nuts and spices, and “Dahi Bhalla,” which is a snack made of lentil dumplings served with yogurt and chutney.
Regional Variations in Holi Celebration in Nepal:
The Holi festival is celebrated differently in different parts of Nepal. In the Terai region, which is the southern plain area of Nepal, people celebrate the festival with more enthusiasm and energy than in other parts of the country. People
