Holi Festival Kicks Off in Kathmandu with Erection of Traditional 'Chir' Pole

Kathmandu. The traditional 'Chir' pole for the Holi festival has been erected in Basantapur, Kathmandu. The three-tiered pole, adorned with colorful flags and banners, was raised on Tuesday morning.

The 32-foot tall, three-tiered pole resembling a spire was erected at Hanuman Dhoka Durbar's southern courtyard, the historic Mohan Kaji Chowk, and Dakchok. Following the erection of the Chir, a celebratory salute was performed by the Gurju Paltan (Royal Guard).

With the raising of the Chir, the Holi festival is considered to have formally begun in the capital city Kathmandu as well as across the country. The Nepal Panchanga Adjudicating Committee had decided that today was the auspicious time for erecting the Chir, leading to its raising today.

The Chir is erected in Basantapur to signify the commencement of the Holi festival. The festival of Holi, which originated in mythological times, holds special significance. Holi is celebrated with colors to rejoice in the arrival of the spring season.

According to religious texts, King Hiranyakashipu, in an attempt to kill his son Prahlad who was a devotee of Lord Vishnu, made him sit in the lap of his sister Holika and set her on fire. However, Holika, who attempted to burn the devotee of Vishnu, was consumed by the fire. It is a religious belief that the fire caused no harm to Prahlad. Based on this belief, people play Holi with colored powder (abir) to celebrate the victory over Holika's death. Photos: Nepal Photo Library