# Holi in Nepal: The Festival of Colours

_Published 2 October 2026_

For one joyful day each spring, Nepal's streets explode with colour as people of all ages throw coloured powder and water at each other. **Holi**, known in Nepal as **Fagu Purnima**, celebrates the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring.

**Quick answer:** Holi falls on the **full moon of Falgun**, usually in **February or March**. In the hills, including Kathmandu and Pokhara, it is celebrated a day **before** the Terai (plains). The biggest parties are in **Basantapur (Kathmandu Durbar Square)**, **Thamel** and **Lakeside Pokhara**.

## The story

Holi recalls the legend of Prahlad, a devotee of Vishnu who survived the fire of the demon Holika, a symbol of the triumph of good.

## How it's celebrated

- A week before Holi, a pole called the **chir**, decorated with colourful cloth, is raised at Basantapur in Kathmandu.
- On the day, people throw coloured powder (abir) and water balloons, sing and dance.
- The chir is burned at the end of the festival.

## Where to celebrate

- **Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel:** lively crowds and music.
- **Lakeside Pokhara:** parties by the lake.
- **The Terai:** celebrated a day later, often more traditional.

## Tips

- Wear old clothes and protect your phone in a plastic bag.
- Oil your skin and hair to make colour easier to wash off.
- Protect your eyes; sunglasses help.
- Women may prefer to celebrate in a group.

See our [festivals of Nepal](/blog/festivals-of-nepal).

## Frequently asked questions
### When is Holi in Nepal?
On the full moon of Falgun, usually February or March.

### What is Holi called in Nepal?
**Fagu Purnima**.

### Where is the best place to celebrate Holi?
Basantapur and Thamel in Kathmandu, and Lakeside Pokhara.

### Why is Holi on different days?
The hills celebrate a day before the Terai.

### What should I wear?
Old clothes that you don't mind staining.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/holi-festival-nepal