Nepalese people on Thursday, March 13 celebrated Holi, the festival of colours with fanfare. The festival formally commenced with the erection of Chir, a 32 plus feet bamboo stick at Basantapur Durbar square in Kathmandu on March 7. Colourful clothes are attached on top of the stick that gives the flavour of the festival of colours. The festival is celebrated for a week, though the government holiday is on Thurs day, the full Moon day of Falgun month, the main day of celebration as per the lunar calendar.
People sprinkle colours, vermilion powder and balloons filled with water to celebrate the occasion. The festival is linked to black skinned Lord Krishna colouring his white skinned soul mate Radha to make her colour as dark as his. There are other stories like Hiranyakashyapu ordering her sister Holika to kill his disobedient son Pralhad, who is the strong devotee of Lord Bishnu. However, as Holia having the boon of not burning by fire, sits on fire with Pralhad in her lap, she was turned into ashes and Pralhad remains unhurt.
The festival is observed in Kathmandu and other hilly regions of the country on Thursday, but its is celebrated in the Terai region the next day or Friday.
In Kathmandu a group of 100 Chinese photographers and photo journalists also joined the local people in playing Holi at Basantapur Durbar square situated in the heart of the capital city. The Chinese photo journalists shoot photographs of people playing Holi in the background of medieval Malla era temples, historical shrines and old place featuring Nepal’s rich art, culture and architectural master pieces.
The programme was jointly organized by China – Nepal Friendship Forum, Nepal Tourism Board and National Photo Journalists Group on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China. The photo journalists from different parts of China are invited to promote Nepal’s tourism by taking the colourful festival of Nepal to the global community with a view to promoting Nepal’s tourism,” said the organizers.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) also organized a programme in its office premises at Teku, Kathmandu to celebrate Holi. Senior vice-president of FNCCI Anjan Shrestha, Vice-president Jyotsana Shrestha and Treasurer Bharat Raj Acharya among others participated in the Holi celebrations.
