Holi is being celebrated with enthusiasm in the mountain and hilly districts on Monday.

Observed on the full moon day of the month of the Nepali month of Falgun in the lunar calendar, the festival marks the arrival of spring and carries a message of harmony and goodwill.

People smear colours and splash water, gathering on major streets to sing and dance. The festival is also seen as a celebration of truth’s triumph over falsehood, with people of all ages, castes, and communities joining in.

The government has declared a public holiday in the mountain and hilly districts. In the Tarai, Holi is observed the day after the full moon, and a holiday has been announced there for Tuesday.

President Ramchandra Paudel wished that the festival inspire efforts to eliminate social evils, protect indigenous culture, and maintain mutual harmony. He said Holi traditionally encourages renouncing enmity and expressing goodwill while celebrating the victory of truth, justice, and virtue over falsehood, injustice, and vice.

Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, former President Bidya Devi Bhandari, former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal, and other leaders also extended greetings to those celebrating today and tomorrow.

Here are some photos of Holi celebrations at Patan Durbar Square taken by the Post’s photojournalist Deepak KC.