Holi in Nepal 2023 :The Festival of Colors

Holi in Nepal is an ancient festival popular among the Hindus. It is the festival of colors that associate with happiness and joy. Holi brings out the nostalgia of togetherness and playfulness as well as signifies the arrival of spring and the end of winter.

In Nepal, Holi takes place on the full moon day in the month of Falgun (Feb-Mar in the solar calendar). It lasts for 2 days, March 8 and 9 of 2023 to be specific. The festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and the approaching spring season. People gather at different locations and play with colors. Since it is a great opportunity to meet up with new people and go out for concerts, Nepalese celebrate the festival with the utmost pleasure and music. You will see people throwing colors (powdered) and water at each other.

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Cultural Significance of Holi

The Holi festival has a cultural significance among Hindu traditions including Nepal. It is the festive day when one can rid themselves of past errors, end conflicts, meets new people, and a day to forget and forgive. For many Nepalese, Holi means an occasion of joy and togetherness.

The prominent purpose of the festival is the beginning of Spring. The 17th-century literature identifies Holi as a festival that celebrated agriculture and commemorated good spring harvests, and fertile land. Hindus believe that the festival is a time of enjoying spring’s abundant colors and farewell to winter. To many people, Holi marks the beginning of the New Year and renews ruptured relationships and conflicts.

Traditions and Rituals of Holi

Different from India, Holi is celebrated in Nepal with a special ceremony namely Chir Haran or Holika Dahan. The ceremony includes erecting a wooden pole and Nepali women in beautiful Sari circles around the pole with auspicious things in hand to pray for blessings. This marks the official beginning of the festival of Holi.

Holi celebration is classified into two parts. The first one is Holika Dhanan and the second is Rangwali Holi. During these events, Durbar Square and its surroundings are filled with vivid colors and colorful waters. The festival ends with a Holi bonfire in a serene atmosphere. Regardless of the ritual difference in Hindus, the intentions remain the same, to gather and have fun.

Things to do during Holi in Nepal

Holi is a national festival day, so during the day, most businesses remain closed (including restaurants). Streets are usually quiet beside the places where people have gathered. Therefore, someone with little to no idea what to do during Holi will be pretty confused. But it should not be the case. If you know things to do during Holi in Nepal, we bet the festival makes it to the list of one of the best festivals that you have ever celebrated.

Here is a list of things to do during Holi in Nepal:

Participate in local festival celebrations with a gentle touch of color and water.
You might get chased by kids with water balloons so you might want to buy a ‘Pichkari’ (water gun) for defense.
Buy some powdered color called ‘Gulal’ and greet people who are willing to play with colors. Be careful since not everyone likes to color.
Attend a music festival in Kathmandu. There will be a number of concerts going on during Holi in Kathmandu.

Nepali Cuisine during Holi in Nepal

Enhance the celebration further with sweets and drinks. Trying out some delicious Nepali Cuisine could be a great way to enjoy the festival even more. There is endless food to try in Nepal. While it might be harder to find a decent restaurant during Holi, a little networking and searching can be fruitful, literally.

Mo: Mo is a perfect example of food to try in Nepal. The steamed meat-filled dumpling(s) is one of the most famous foods in Nepal. Apart from fast foods, there are traditional foods that are loved by many. Holi can be an incredible opportunity to try out foods in Nepal.

Tips for Holi in Nepal

If you plan on celebrating Holi, then we wholeheartedly welcome you to taste one of the fascinating life experiences in Nepal. However, there are a few things to keep in mind while celebrating Holi in Nepal:

Dress all-white. Holi is a festival of color and you do not want to ruin your favorite dress with powder colors and water.
Only carry necessary belongings.
You would want to walk around all day, so do not carry heavy backpacks/jewelry.
Cover your phones/ cameras with plastic bags to protect them from water while playing Holi.
Visit Durbar Square in Kathmandu.
The square is highly engaging, fun, and a great location for pictures.
Do not use a plastic bag. Many youngsters use plastic bags as water balloons, which is neither good for
the environment nor their health.
Carry sunglasses. There will be colors everywhere during Holi, so you will need a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from powdered colors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When is Holi in Nepal in 2023?

This year, Holi is dated on the 9th and 10th of March of 2023. It usually falls somewhere from the middle of February to the middle of March.

What do I need to celebrate Holi in Nepal?

A white shirt, some colors, a pair of sunglasses, and a willingness to celebrate the festival as a family.

How long does Holi in Nepal last?

Holi lasts for a day in the Hilly regions, while it lasts for 2 days in the Terai region.

Where to go during Holi in Nepal? Places to visit

Here are some places to visit during Holi in Nepal:
1. Thamel Streets,
2. The Durbar Square in Kathmandu,
3. Lakeside of Pokhara,
4. Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Is it safe to celebrate Holi in Nepal?

Yes, it is safe to celebrate Holi in Nepal. However, you need to be cautious that not everyone is interested in playing in colors.

How do you book for the Holi celebration?

You do not need to book for the Holi celebration as it is a festival for all. However, if you plan on trekking and touring around the country after or before Holi, reach us at info@coretreks.com or call us at +977 9851179975 or WhatsApp us at +977 9851179975 and we will prepare an itinerary for you.