Holi festival begins with installation of Chir at Basantapur (with photos)

KATHMANDU, Feb 27: The Holi festival, also known as the festival of colors, has officially begun in Kathmandu with the installation of Chir, a ceremonial bamboo pole adorned with colorful clothes, at Basantapur Durbar Square. 

The locals and priests erect the Chir every year on Falgun Shukla Astami, which marks the beginning of the festival, and this year it will take place on March 17. 

The festival ends after seven days when the Chir is taken down. According to local belief, Holi originated in the Treta Yug when an ardent follower of Lord Vishnu named Pralhad burned a female demon named Holika, who had planned to set fire to him while he was sitting on her lap. 

As a result, Holi is now celebrated on the full moon day in the lunar calendar month of Falgun.

Here are some pictures taken by Ratopati photojournalist: