KATHMANDU:- Phagu Poornima, popularly known as Holi, is being observed with great enthusiasm across Nepal’s hilly and mountainous districts today.

The festival, which falls on the full-moon day of the month of Fagun in the lunar calendar, marks the advent of spring and symbolises harmony, goodwill and unity. Celebrants mark the occasion by smearing colours and splashing coloured water on one another, while groups gather in streets and public spaces, singing and dancing.

Deeply rooted in tradition, Holi is also regarded as a celebration of the triumph of truth over falsehood and good over evil. People from diverse communities and age groups come together to share joy and strengthen social bonds.

The government has declared a public holiday in the hilly and mountain districts for the festival. In the Tarai region, Holi will be celebrated on Tuesday, a day after the full moon, and a public holiday has been announced there as well.

Extending his best wishes, President Ramchandra Paudel expressed hope that the festival would inspire people to eliminate social evils and harmful practices, promote indigenous culture, and foster mutual harmony across the country.

In his message, President Paudel noted that Holi, celebrated to mark the victory of justice over injustice and virtue over vice, carries a tradition of forgiveness, goodwill and togetherness among family and friends.

Likewise, Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, and former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, among other leaders, have also conveyed their best wishes to all celebrating the festival today and tomorrow.