As the snow on the Himalayas begins to melt, every speck of dust in the Kathmandu Valley prepares for a sacred “color revolution.” This is not just a grand celebration of colors but also an ancient ritual that transcends religion and nature. With natural plant-based dyes as weapons and music, dance, and blessings as bonds, the Holi Festival unfolds in all its splendor.
Holi Festival is a traditional Hindu festival, usually celebrated in February or March each year. People throw or smear vibrant colored powders on each other as a symbol of joy, blessings, and celebration, welcoming the arrival of spring.
In Nepal, where the majority of the population practices Hinduism, Holi Festival is one of the most important celebrations of the year. During the festival, people gather in the streets, and there’s no need to search for the festivities—just turn a corner, and you’ll be swept into a vibrant explosion of colors, fully immersed in the joyful festival atmosphere.
There are many legends about the origin of Holi, but one of the most authoritative comes from the famous Indian epic, the Mahabharata. According to the story, there was once a tyrannical king who demanded that everyone worship him. However, his son remained devoted to Lord Vishnu, which enraged the king. In an attempt to kill his son, the king ordered his sister—who was immune to fire—to carry the prince into a blazing pyre. Yet, in a miraculous turn of events, the sister was burned to ashes, while the prince emerged unharmed, saved by divine intervention. To celebrate the prince’s survival, the people splashed red water on him, symbolizing their praise for goodness and their hatred for evil. This tradition evolved into the Holi Festival, a vibrant celebration of color, joy, and the triumph of good over evil.
Every year, Holi Festival is a nationwide celebration of joy and festivity. The celebration begins with the lighting of bonfires at night, symbolizing the arrival of new life. By the time the next dawn breaks, colored powders fill the air, water splashes everywhere, and the streets turn into a massive, vibrant palette of colors.
On the festival streets, energetic music fills the air, adding to the festive atmosphere. Traditional drum beats blend with modern tunes, creating a lively rhythm. People sing and dance, and in the midst of the celebration, they toss dry powders and colored pigments into the air or smear them on the faces of those around them. It’s said that you must apply the color three times for good luck. In addition to the throwing and smearing, large equipment makes an appearance! High-pressure water guns shoot out colored water, creating a brilliant artificial rainbow that arcs over the crowd. Luck falls from the sky, showering everyone below.
For a better experience of the festival atmosphere, you can choose to visit Kathmandu and Pokhara. During the celebrations, the crowds can get quite dense, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings and travel light to fully enjoy the festivities.
To fully enjoy the festival, it’s a good idea to wear a light-colored T-shirt, as by the end of the day, you’ll have a unique, colorful masterpiece on your clothes. Since some participants may use synthetic, chemical-based colored powders, which are harder to clean, it’s best to apply hair gel and thick, oily skincare products beforehand. You can also wear glasses to protect your eyes from the powder. The celebration is a perfect opportunity for photos, but keep in mind that with the use of water guns, your camera equipment should be waterproofed to avoid any damage.
