Phagu Purnima celebrated in hills today, terai to mark holi tomorrow

Dhangadhi: Phagu Purnima, also known as the Holi festival, is being celebrated with joy across the hilly districts of the country today. Observed on the full moon day of Falgun, the festival is an ancient tradition that conveys the message of mutual harmony, unity and brotherhood with the arrival of spring. Celebrations are taking place in various locations with people playing with colors, abir and lola.

According to religious narratives associated with Holi, during the Treta Yuga, the demon king Hiranyakashipu attempted to kill his son Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu, by making him sit in a blazing fire along with his sister Holika, who had received a boon that fire would not harm her. However, Holika was reduced to ashes while Prahlad remained unharmed. The tradition of celebrating Holi is believed to have originated from this event, symbolizing the triumph of truth and devotion over the misuse of power.

Similarly, during the Dwapar Yuga, the demon Putana, sent by Kansa to kill Shri Krishna, was killed when she attempted to poison him by offering her breast. Religious texts related to the Phagu festival also mention that the people of Vraja cremated her and celebrated the occasion.

Traditionally, Holi is celebrated using natural and safe colors and abir, which are believed to help reduce skin problems.

The government grants a public holiday each year on the occasion of the Phagu festival. While the hilly districts are celebrating Holi today, the Terai region will observe the festival on Tuesday, following the tradition of celebrating it the day after the full moon. A public holiday has been declared in the Terai districts on Tuesday.