The colourful festivities of Phagu Purnima, commonly referred to as Holi, commenced in Basantapur, Kathmandu, on Sunday with the traditional installation of the 'Chir'.

The bamboo pole, adorned with vivid strips of cloth, marked the beginning of the vibrant celebration known as the festival of colours.

After the conclusion of the Holi festival, individuals traditionally gather pieces of cloth from the Chir and place them in their homes, believing it will bring them good luck.

This year, the festival falls on March 24 in hilly districts including the districts in the Kathmandu Valley and it is being observed on March 25 in the Tarai/Madhesh.

Here are some photos of the ‘Chir’ installation by the Post's photographer Sukarya Lal Shrestha.