this festival originated as celebration of the death of the Demoness Holika. This wicked woman, who was supposed to be indestructible by fire had made several attempts to kill her nephew, Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu. Eventually, she put the boy on her lap and set fire beneath them, thinking that he would succumb to the fire while she would escape. But instead the boy remained unharmed and Holika, to her surprise, was destroyed by the fire.
Traditions of Nepal Holi Festival
Different from India Holi rituals, Holi festival in nepal has a special ceremony for erecting a wood pole. On this day, Nepali women dress in beautiful Sari with auspicious things in hand, and then circle around the pole to pray for the blessings. Durbar Square and the surrounding streets turn into a sea of waters, colors and music. And you’ll have the chance to see the most prestigious singers performing on the stage. On the eighth day, the festival comes to an end with Holi bonfire.
Celebrations in Nepal Paint Festival
Holi, one of the most important festival in Hinduism, is mainly celebrated at India, Nepal and other Indian immigrant communities around the world. However, as for the best place to experience Holi, Kathmandu will never let you down!
On this day, most of stores are closed. The whole Kathmandu valley is immersed in the festival atmosphere. Whether people know each other or not, they’ll be sprayed with Holi powder and colorful water. Some will get a gentle touch, some will across a heavy splash and others will be chased by colored water balloons. In any case, please don’t be angry. This is a kind of festive blessing.
In the square, Nepalis and visitors totally indulge in singing, dancing and sprinkling varieties of powders and waters. Everyone’s face is filled with festive joy. Even the air turns to be colorful. At this moment, cameras, mobile phones and selfie sticks have become the essential tools to record your happy Holi.
Tips for Nepal Holi Festival
1. White T-shirts, cheap pants and slippers are highly recommended. After the carnival, you can either throw them away or keep them as Holi souvenirs.
2. It’s suggested to prepare a raincoat for the camera. And the easiest way is to cover it tightly with plastic wraps.
3. Facial cleanser and shampoo are the essentials to clean off the paints.
4. If you just want to observe this colorful festival, the steps of the temples around Durbar Square are the best spots for photography.
