20 March 2019, Kthmandu
People in Kathmandu Valley and hilly districts will observe Holi, the festival of colours, which is also known as Fagu Purnima, by exchanging wishes today.
Revellers, young and old alike, celebrate the festival by smearing colourful powders and throwing colours and water-filled balloons at each other. The festival will be celebrated in the Tarai region on Monday.
The festival revolves around the mythology of the demon king Hiranya Kashyapu ordering his sister Holika to enter into a fire along with Pralhad, son of the demon king and a devout follower of Lord Bishnu, in her lap so that Pralhad would stop chanting the name of the Lord.
The catch was that Holika wouldn’t burn in the fire because of a boon she had received from god. But it so happened that the fire burnt Holika whereas Pralhad remained unharmed and came out of the fire still chanting the name of god.
Therefore, the festival has been linked to this legend and is celebrated by smearing colour in enjoyment.
Meanwhile, President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Sunday extended their best wishes to all the Nepalis, both in and outside of the country, on the occasion of Fagu Purnima (Holi).
In a press statement released by the Office of the President today, President Bhandari wished that the festival of colors may inspire all the Nepalis to exchange happiness amongst them as well as strengthen the social ties.
Stating that such festival helps forge national unity, foster fraternity, mutual harmony and communal amity, the President underscored the need for preserving such cultural festivities in the country like ours with religious and cultural diversity.
“It is our responsibility to make headway for prosperity by preserving and promoting such cultural festivities,” the message noted.
Similarly, in a message of best wishes today, Vice President Pun extended Holi greetings to all the people, stating that the festival of colors symbolizes the spirit of tolerance, harmony and fraternity.
Stating that the festival had contributed to foster brotherhood and mutual goodwill among the Nepalis, VP Pun wished that may the festival strengthen the fraternal bonds amongst the Nepalis and encourage one and all to sort out differences through mutual talks, consensus and collaboration.
He also wished that may the festival inspire to bring into effect the new constitution by holding all three levels of elections by mid-January, 2018.
Likewise, Prime Minister Dahal in his message on the same occasion also extended his best wishes to all the Nepalis at home and abroad.
Stating that Nepal is a beautiful country of multi-languages, multi-cultures, multi-religion, Dahal pressed for the preservation and promotion of common cultural heritages like Holi festival.
Wishing may the festival bring new joy, enthusiasm and encouragement to all the Nepalis, the PM’s message notes, “May this festival foster brotherhood, communal harmony and amity among the citizens.”
The PM, in the message, acknowledged that the each ethnic communities in the country have their own traditions, cultures and festivals, and wished that our festivals would foster communal harmony.
The message noted,” May the festival that marks the victory of good over evil inspire one and all to make life colorful and joyous.”
Holi is being celebrated across the country with fanfare, including the capital city
