KATHMANDU, March 7: The Holi (Fagu Purnima) festival has officially begun with the authorities erecting the Chir (a ceremonial pole with colorful crown) at Basantapur, Hanuman Dhoka, Kathmandu, this morning.
The three-tiered Chir, decorated with colorful fabric banners, marks the start of the celebrations in the capital and across the country.
PHOTOS: Chir erected in Basantapur marking beginning of Holi fe...

The festival will conclude on the full moon night when officials take the Chir to Tundikhel and burn it.
People celebrate Holi from Falgun Shukla Ashtami to Falgun Shukla Purnima.
This year, people will celebrate the Holi festival on March 13 in the Kathmandu and hilly districts, and on March 14 in the Terai-Madhesh districts.