Holi being celebrated today

KATHMANDU, March 17: Hindus around the world are preparing to celebrate Holi, also known as the festival of colors.

The festival marks the beginning of the spring season in the Indian subcontinent.

When is Holi celebrated?

Holi is celebrated in Phagun, the 12th month of the Hindu calendar, which corresponds to February or March in the Gregorian calendar. This year, the festival will be celebrated on March 17 in the Hill and Mountain region of Nepal. The terai community will mark the festival on Friday.

What’s the story behind Holi?

Holi celebrates the triumph of good over evil and there are various stories about its origin.

The most popular legend in Hindu mythology says the festival marks Lord Vishnu’s triumph over King Hiranyakashipu, who killed anyone who disobeyed him or worshiped other gods.

The king had a son called Prahlad who never worshiped his father and worshiped Vishnu instead. Hiranyakashipu was so displeased that he conspired with his sister Holika to kill his son.

Holika agreed to kill her nephew, luring Prahlad into a pyre and trying to burn him. However, Vishnu came to Prahlad’s rescue and Holika ended up burning in the pyre.

To this day, Hindu devotees celebrate Holika Dahan on the eve of Holi to mark the event by making bonfires in their neighborhoods.