Holi, festival of colours, today in Terai

KATHMANDU: The colorful festival of Holi is being celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm in the Terai and Madhesh districts today.

While the festival (Phagu Purnima) was celebrated in the Himalayan and hilly regions yesterday, following tradition, the Terai region celebrates Holi today.

Holi is being observed today in several districts, including Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), Chitwan, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Udaypur, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Kanchanpur.

In particular, the Tharu community, which has a significant presence in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), observes Holi with great significance.

The festival is celebrated as a time to erase all forms of discrimination, and by applying colors on each other, it creates an atmosphere filled with joy and vibrant energy.

Pandit Buddhisagar Bhandari highlighted that Holi is a source of inspiration for equality and harmony, uniting everyone through the use of colors. “Holi represents the victory of truth over falsehood, purity over deceit, and righteousness over injustice,” he said. “Along with its religious significance, Holi plays a vital role in promoting social harmony and providing a sense of enthusiasm.”

Originally celebrated as a spring festival, Holi has evolved over time to be associated with mythological figures such as Prahlad, Krishna, Holika, and Dhoondha.

It is known by various names, including Fagu, Phagwa, Holi, and Hori. Holi has its own grandeur, featuring color play, singing, dancing, feasting, and the joyful exchange of colors, while also fostering fraternity and unity by eliminating barriers and prejudices.

Although a public holiday was declared on Thursday in the hilly regions, today is a public holiday in the Terai districts. In Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), local authorities have implemented special security measures to ensure that the festival is celebrated in an orderly, safe, and peaceful manner. District Police Office Chief, SP Yadav Dhakal, shared details about these measures.

“Anyone caught engaging in activities like throwing colors without permission, using water balloons, causing unnecessary noise, engaging in fights, or behaving improperly will face legal action,” he stated. “We advise everyone to only play Holi with close friends and family, refrain from throwing colors at unwilling participants, avoid using chemical colors that could harm the skin or eyes, and not consume intoxicating substances while driving. Please follow traffic rules and contact the police immediately at our hotline number 100 if you witness any criminal activities.”

Each color used in Holi holds its own meaning. Blue symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, while red is a favorite color of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna. Yellow represents the divine blessings of Lord Ganesha, and red is a symbol of power and prosperity.

According to legend, during the Satya Yuga, Prahlad, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, was condemned by his father, Hiranyakashipu, to be burned alive. However, when Holika, Prahlad’s sister, attempted to carry out this plan by sitting on a pyre with him, she was burned, while Prahlad emerged unharmed.

This event symbolizes the victory of truth over falsehood, and is commemorated through the festival of Holi.

In honor of this auspicious occasion, the government has declared a public holiday in the Terai districts today, allowing people to fully engage in the festivities and celebrate the joyous spirit of Holi.