‘Chir’ installation at Basantapur begins Holi celebration (Photo Feature)

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

The 32-feet long Chir was installed by performing rituals on Friday. The hoisting ceremony of Chir, wrapped up in colorful strips of cloth and Pataka, was performed at 8: 33 a.m.

The Nepal Army, Guruju Paltan, and other local people helped in the hoisting. This year, people will celebrate the festival on 13 March (Falgun 29) in the Hilly region and on 14th March (Chaitra 1) in the Terai region.

According to Hindu theology, King Hiranyakashipu made a plan, with his sister Holika, to kill his son Prahalad. Prahlad’s devotion towards Lord Vishnu was bothering King Hiranyakas. Holika, who had the boon of not getting caught by the fire, carried Prahalad and entered the blazes of fire.

Holi with Colors and Rafting (Photo Feature)

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 installing Chir to begin Holi celebration at Bastnapur)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet) 

Nepali version of the photo feature