Holi is a vibrant festival celebrated with fervor and joy in Nepal. This holiday, otherwise known as the 'Festival of Colors' or 'Love Festival,' is a traditional Hindu celebration that marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The festivities span two days, with preparations starting a week ahead. Holi usually falls in late February to mid-March, depending on the lunar calendar.
During Holi in Nepal, the streets come alive with joy and color as people gather together to splash each other with water and colored powders. There are water fights, dance parties, and an overall jubilant atmosphere. It's a rare spectacle where both children and adults participate equally, releasing all their inhibitions and bonding through laughter, songs, and dance. Friends, families and even strangers smear each other with colours and throw water balloons, making for a highly colorful and fun-filled celebration.
Beyond the fun and frolic, Holi holds a deep cultural significance in Nepal. It signifies the victory of good over evil, drawing from ancient Hindu mythologies. The festival also gives people an opportunity to reconcile and mend broken relationships, expressing love and joy to each other. Moreover, Holi ushers in the much-awaited spring after the long, harsh winter, symbolically bursting with color and life.