Holi begins with installation of ‘Chir’ (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu:  The festival of colors ‘Holi’ has begun officially with the installation of ‘Chir’ at Basantapur.

The installation was Chir done by performing rituals on Monday. The hoisting ceremony of Chir, wrapped up in colorful strips of cloth and Pataka,  was performed at 4: 47 a.m.

The Nepal Army, Guruju Paltan, and other local people helped in the hoisting of the Chir. This year, people will be celebrating Holi on 24 March (Chaitra 11) in the Hilly region and on 25th March( Chaitra 12) in the Terai region.

According to Hindu theology, King Hiranyakashipu made a plan along with his sister Holika to kill his son Prahalad, after not liking his devotion to Lord Vishnu. Holika, who had the boon of not getting caught by the fire, carried Prahalad and jumped into the blazes of fire.

Despite the boon, Holika burned into ashes but nothing happened to Prahalad. Based on the same story, a ritual to celebrate Holi on the day of the Falgun Purnima began. The festival is celebrated as the victory of the truth.

(Glimpses of installation of Holi Chir at Bastnapur)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)