Kathmandu. Though most likely non-Hindus, they enjoyed Holi as much as anyone else.
Smeared with the colors of the rainbow, the foreign tourists knew no limit to their joy and in turn added to the fervor of the occasion. They hailed from different countries such as UK, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada and USA.
Some of them were singing and dancing to the rhythm of musical instruments being played in and around the streets while others were to be seen drinking, smoking and having fun in their own ways.
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Martin from London, who is in Nepal for the first time, was colored all over like a portrait painting. It is a wonderful festival and he enjoyed it very much, he said adding, "It's a new experience for me."
Martin, who is a photographer, also told Republica that the festival of colors was a good photographic opportunity. "I went to various places with my camera and I got some pretty good shots" he said. "I was aware of my camera...if it gets colored... but so far it's good," he added.
Martin stays in Patan but came to Basantapur for the Holi antics. "My morning started with colors and water balloons thrown at me by locals. Then I came to Basantapur to see the wildness of Holi. It's pretty crazy," he said.
Phillipio from Switzerland also expressed his joy over Holi. "My roommate here in the city advised me to come to Basantapur to enjoy the day. I am pretty impressed to see how generous people here are. They ask if they can put colors and only when I let them they put colors" he said.
Philipio, his nose and cheeks daubed golden, said he enjoyed celebrating with his friend Alex. "It's more fun to celebrate the day with my dear friend," reciprocated Alex.
Philipio, who is visiting Nepal for the second time, said he has also celebrated Tihar here. "I am amazed to see the culture here, and the people are very warm and welcoming" he said.
Shay, who is from Canada, said, "I love the colors and the joy I see in people. It's amazing." It's her second time celebrating Holi here and she was mad over the festival. "I spent the whole day here in the city, putting colors, singing and dancing around in the street. It's really fun" she added. "This is a very good way to have fun. I had a long week and here I am relaxing for the day with my friends."
Holi is considered to be a festival of the Hindus, celebrating victory over evil. It is observed in the hill regions of the country on the day of the full moon, which falls on a Tuesday this time, while people in the tarai plains celebrate it on the following day. The government has decided to provide a public holiday on Tuesday and Wednesday in the hills and tarai respectively.
