Festival of Colours in Nepal
On the full moon day of Falgun, citizens of the Indian subcontinent rejoice in a unique festival known as Holi. The celebrations revolve around the age-old tradition of welcoming spring. It, along with Bisakh Jatra and Sindoor Jatra, are marked by the people of Kathmandu valley. They symbolise the end of winter and the beginning of the harvest season.
Over the years, Fagu Purnima has taken on many facets. Myths and folk tales help add mysticism and vibrancy to this day. In Kathmandu valley, a ceremonial pole known as Chir is erected in the lyakhu (palace) premises a few days before the full moon. It is decorated with vibrant coloured clothes by the people. Priests perform special rites, and devotees flock to receive blessings.
The process of erecting a wooden pole is not unique and exclusive to Kathmandu valley. The Maypole hoisted on May Day celebrations in Europe is an age-old tradition of festivity.
An interpretation of this day (Holi) revolves around a demon-king named Tarakasur. He ran rampant troubling the gods and causing problems. Tired and helpless, they concluded to consult Lord Shiva. But he was engaged in deep meditation after losing his wife, Sati Devi. The many gods of heaven planned on marrying Lord Shiva with Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas. But they dared not to awaken the mighty Shiva. Thus they sought the help of Kamadeva, the god of love.
Kamadeva went to Kailash and shot a powerful arrow. It awakened Lord Shiva. To the surprise of all, he opened his third eye and shot a beam of light that burnt Kamadeva to ashes. As intended, the gods put forth the marriage proposal, which Lord Shiva accepted.
The ancients divided the year into two halves:
1. January to June (Longer days and shorter nights)
2. July to December (Longer nights and shorter days)
The second half belong to demons. During this part of the year, they are powerful and cause many troubles. As nights are longer, they terrify and conduct mischiefs. After the winter solstice, the sun begins its northern journey (Uttarayana), bringing an end to the demonic hold. Tarkasurs death came through the hands of Kartikeya, ending his tyranny. Coloured powder symbolises the victory of good over evil.
The second lore is of another demon king known as Hiranyakashyapu. His son Prahlada was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Numerous attempts to realign Praladha failed. Amongst these attempts was when Dhunda, the kings' sister, grabbed Praladha and jumped into a fire, she was blessed not to be harmed by fire. The intention was to burn Praladha alive, but Lord Vishnu saved him and burned Dhunda instead. She is also known by the name Holika, and connecting lore states the day got its name from this event.
King Hiranyakashyapus' end came through the hands of Narashingha, the lion avatar of Lord Vishnu. This act is the highlight of Kati Pyakhan (Kartik Naach), presented in Patan Durbar Square in the month of Kartik (October- November).
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Yet another tale goes as follows, Putana, a she-demon planned to kill Krishna. She hatched a plan and disguised herself as a mortal. She poisoned her milk and went to him. She allowed him to suckle her but failed to realise that he was not an ordinary child. He sucked Putana until she died.
All three stories revolve around attempts of evil and how the good is always victorious. We have developed various ways to commemorate this act. We play with colours (Holi), illuminate our homes (Dipawali) and share greetings and blessings (Dashain). We celebrate with our loved ones, visit temples, rejoice in various delicacies and share our affections with all.
Holi is celebrated for two consecutive days by Nepalese. The first day is a national celebration. Whereas, the second is Terai Holi which features robust fanfare in the Terai region of Nepal.