Holi defines the festival of colors which is celebrated with joy when people have fun bathing in color-water. It is fun, happiness, and thrill. People color each other, dance to the music, and eat a lot. It is also a time for friends and families to come together.
The festival of colors is the name given to it because everyone splashes brightly colored powders on one another. Thus, it has been spreading happiness throughout the ages.
Why is Holi special (in the country of) Nepal?
Holi festival in Nepal, as it is celebrated in a very noisy manner. This festival is among the most celebrated in the nation.
Fagu Purnima is the word by which Holi is popularly known in Nepal. It carries deep cultural and religious significance. It is the time after winter to welcome spring.
Happy young woman dancing and celebrating holi.
The Nepalese find their way to celebrate Holi uniquely in different cities. For example, a grand celebration is held at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu. While some in other places join among each other in the streets, parks, and homes to enjoy the festival.
Holi is special in that it is a festival that brings every community together. People forget their cares and forget their cares in love and happiness.
When does Holi come in Nepal, 2025? (Nepal Holi Dates 2025)
In 2025, Holi festival in Nepal will be celebrated on the 13th and 14th of March in Nepal. In the Himalayan areas like Kathmandu, Pokhara, etc., Holi will remain to be celebrated on 13th March, and in Terai it will be celebrated on 14th March.
Annually on the full moon day of Falgun (March), Holi is celebrated all over Nepal. This is the reason why this festival is called Fagu Purnima in Nepal.
Why is Holi Celebrated?
Holi festival in Nepal is celebrated, as it is the festival of colors, happiness, and love. It signifies the victory of good over evil. Holi is celebrated joyfully and excitedly in Nepal and other parts of the world.
Why Good Wins Over Bad-The Legend Behind Holi
The story dates back to a long time ago when a demonic king Hiranyakashipu was born in the world. He wanted everyone to see him as God but the kind-hearted Prahlad, his son, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu.
Enraged with Prahlad, the king wanted to punish him and called for his sister, Holika, for help. Holika had a boon; she could enter the fire and would not burn. She made Prahlad sit beside her in the fire, but lo and behold! With faith in God, Prahlad was safe, but Holika was burnt to ashes.
This legend teaches us that good and truth always prevail, and hence Holi is celebrated--to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
Celebration Style Across Nepal
People play with colors during the Holi festival in Nepal. They throw colored powders (called "abir") and water at each other, and the fun includes everyone, young and old.
Families and friends gather for scrumptious meals. Singing and dancing in the streets are traditional. Many cities organize special celebrations where music is played, and festival fun is enjoyed together.
Celebrations are in full swing in Kathmandu, especially at Basantapur Durbar Square. Tourists love to be partakers in Holi happiness in Nepal.
Falgun Purnima Celebrations in Nepal
Why is Holi called Falgun Purnima in Nepal?
Holi festival in Nepal is known as Fagu Purnima celebrations, indicating its connection to the full moon. The celebration occurs on a full moon day termed Purnima by the Nepalis. The word "Fagu" is derived from "Falgun," the month of the Nepali calendar when Holi is celebrated. Hence, Fagu Purnima refers to the full moon festival of Falgun.
Woman's face with holi colours standing against blue sky.
People in Nepal have followed Fagu Purnima customarily for ages. It signifies a day when every form of problem is forgotten and colors, music, and happiness reign. Different names can be given for this celebration, but the mood of Holi never changes.
How Holi Is Celebrated In Various Regions Of Nepal
Holi is celebrated in diverse methods across Nepal. Some regions use dry colores, while in others, water balloons and colored water are thrown at each other. Let's have a look at the Fagu Purnima celebrations between different regions.
Holi In The Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is like the heart of Nepal; the way Holi is celebrated there is surely grand. One of the best-known events is at Basantapur Durbar Square, where thousands converge for color play, dancing, and music. Streets are filled with cheerful faces, and tourists also join.
Holi In Pokhara
Pokhara is a fine city endowed with lakes and mountains, and its Holi is unlike any other. People gather to play colors by the lakeside while bands are performing to keep the audience hyped. Joyous is the atmosphere created by the blend of local and foreign revelers celebrating together.
Holi In Terai Region
The Terai region, especially cities like Janakpur and Birgunj, is known for hosting bigger events on Holi than any other place in Nepal. Holi is celebrated here for two days: one in the hilly side and the other in the Terai. Color-throwing, traditional-dance singing, and sweet sharing are the common sights.
Holi In Rural Villages
The festival here is more of a community gathering, with people visiting one another's houses to smear colors, eat specially prepared foods, and bond with families and friends in a truly euphoric atmosphere.
How People Celebrate Holi In Nepal?
The Holi festival in Nepal is filled with fun and joy. The festival is celebrated strangely in different parts of the world. Come and see how Holi is celebrated in Nepal!
Drenching In Color And Water
What's exciting about Holi are splashing colors at others. Some drench each other with colored powder. Others use water balloons and water guns to spray water. Thus making the event all the merrier.
Be it children, youngsters, or the elderly, there is no one exempt from participating in color play. Streets would be filled with colours, and there is an apparent happiness in the air. Between laughter, people will run around and enjoy each other's company.
Dancing And Singing On The Road
Songs being played throughout the festival is one of the main components of Holi in Nepal. Music blares from loudspeakers or DJs as people dance on the streets. Whether it's the traditional folk songs or the latest pop hits, everybody joins in on the singing.
Families and groups of friends wander from one community celebration to the next, dancing and celebrating together. Some locations host cool parties with DJ and live music events. Energy is booming all around, and it's a free-for-all party atmosphere!
Time With Family And Friends
Holi is more than about colours and dancing; it is a time spent at home with family and friends. People visit each other's homes to share wonderful Holi delicacies.
The elders give blessings to the younger ones and share the joy. It is that time of the year when problems are forgotten, and love and friendship are to be cherished.
Traditional Holi Foods In Nepal
Holi is not only about colors and water, but it is also about mouth-watering dishes! In Nepal, people prepare special dishes to enjoy during the festival. These preparation gives one extra reason to celebrate. So let's discuss some of the most popular foods during Holi in Nepal.
Gujiya- Sweet Treat
Gujiya is the most famous Holi sweet. It is shaped like a small dumpling, but inside is a sweet filling of dried fruits, coconut, and khoya. After filling, it is deep-fried till golden and crisp.
It is loved by all, for, it is soft inside and crunchy outside. This is also a very delicious and tasty sweet when shared with friends and family during the celebrations. Some people also love to dip it into sugar syrup to make it sweeter.
Sel Roti- Special Rice Doughnuts
Sel Roti is dhaos the most traditional Nepali food mostly prepared during festivals like Holi. They are shaped like a ring or doughnut but made from rice flour. The dough thus formed is deep fried until golden brown and crunchy.
Sel Roti is slightly sweet with a unique taste. It is soft inside and has a nice crunch outside. People generally consume sel roti with yogurt, pickles, or tea. It is a must-have during Holi in Nepal.
Thandai- Festive Special Drink
Thandai is prepared during Holi; this is a special kind of drink. With the touch of coldness and refreshingness in it, it is made from milk, almonds, cardamom, and many spices. Thandai tastes best after playing with colors because it refreshes the body.
Some people like to add saffron and rose water to enhance the flavor. This makes it a traditional drink full of joy and makes it worth sharing with family and friends.
Holi festival in Nepal is full of fun, colors, and yummy food. For those selected, such traditional Holi foods make it more special. Have you tried some? If not, then Holi 2025 would be a great occasion to taste these yummy foods!
Best Places To Celebrate Holi In Nepal
Holi is the most important festival in Nepal, where people play colors and dance, as well as eat very delicious food. But then again, where would you best celebrate Holi? Let's find out!
Kathmandu-Basantapur Durbar Square Holi Events
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, really celebrates Holi well. Best enjoyed in Basantapur Durbar Square Holi events
This place can transform just about everybody in Holi with colors. Just perfect for fun-filled merrymaking-throwing colors at each other and dancing to the beat of music. Be it a local or a tourist, everybody is surely enjoying the festival.
The vibe at Basantapur is electric!! People sing, scream, and-let us join in-they celebrate Holi in all their enthusiasm. If one is in Kathmandu during Holi, this place should not be missed.
Good Time-Pokhara-Lakeside
Another great place for another step in Holi celebration-Pokhara! Unlike its Phewa Lake, the city has a quiet atmosphere.
During this period, Pokhara comes alive in the lakeside area. Dressed in colors and dancing while walking along the lakes, all one hears are songs and dances with lots of fun.
Holi in Pokhara is very famous among tourists because it combines peace with enjoyment. Play Holi in the morning and you can spend the evening near the lake sharing laughs with friends.
Holi And Tourism In Nepal
Tourists love celebrating Holi in Nepal, which stands for color, fun, and excitement. During Holi, people throw colors, dance, and have fun celebrating; tourists are happy to be doing just this.
Holi is a whole new ballgame for many visitors. They actually get to see Nepalese culture firsthand and participate in the customs. Anyone, anywhere-gather and have fun!
The streets are thumping with music, dance, and fun. Tourists enjoy taking pictures, throwing colors, and soaking in all the happenings. It is one memorable experience!
What Is The Impact Of Holi On Tourism In Nepal?
Holi brings a lot of tourists to Nepal. Many people come with the very purpose of color and festivity.
During Holi, hotels, restaurants, and trekking agencies witness a massive influx of visitors. This gives an impetus to local businesses. A lot of travelers go to see other destinations in Nepal before or after Holi, which in turn also aids the tourism industry.
Holi and other festivals help make Nepal a fantastic destination. Gradually, more and more people get to know about Nepal and get into planning their travels to visit that country all over again.
Terai-Biggest Celebrations In Nepal
The biggest celebration of Holi in Nepal is within the Terai region. All major cities in Janakpur, Birgunj, Nepalgunj, and so on organize grand events.
Holi is celebrated here for two days. On the first day, they observe this event in the hilly regions while, on the second day, it is celebrated in the Terai. Streets are packed with people throwing color, singing, and dancing.
A girl celebrating Holi with colours.
In the Terai Holi, it is more than just colors; it is a tradition: the families go to each other's places, share sweets, and celebrate together. For anyone wanting to see Holi in its truly original flavor in Nepal, Terai is the right option.
Why Celebrate Holi In Nepal 2025
Holi is a festival full of cheer when everyone rejoices in the beauty of life. Everybody plays with colors, sings, dances, and takes part in the celebrations, forgetting their worries and spending time with family and friends.
But Holi in Nepal is just that bit more special. The celebrations are extremely grand and full of exuberance. People throw colors, splash each other with water, and dine on the traditional Holi food items. The throwing of colors is a joyous street event in places like Basantapur Durbar Square and Pokhara.
Food is another important part of Holi celebrations. Traditional sweets for Holi such as Gujiya and Sel Roti make it even more exciting. The very delicious Thandai is also akin to a cooling drink enjoyed during this time.
If you want to witness and feel the real ecstasy of Holi, then Nepal is the best place to do all that. The excitement of a festival remembered-the colors, music, dancing, and food make it so. Fun and adventure lovers are recommended to schedule Nepal Holi 2025 plans right away!