KATHMANDU, March 28: Holi, the festival of color, is being celebrated with a huge fanfare in the hilly region of the country on Sunday.

Holi, which is often considered the second biggest religious festival, indicates the beginning of spring season.

A legend has it that fire-resistant Holika put herself along with her son Prahlad in fire for his religious devotion to lord Bishnu. However, her son Prahlad remained unharmed while Holika got destroyed in the fire for inflicting injustice on her son. Since then the Hindus have been celebrating Holi as the triumph of justice over injustice. 

In most regions, the Holi festival is celebrated for two days. The first day is known as Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan when the bonfires are lit. The second day is known as Rangwali Holi - the day when people play with colored powder and colored water.

The Holi festival will begin on Monday in the southern plain districts.

Meanwhile, the government has directed the general public to avoid huge gatherings and celebrations in order to curb the spread of COVID-19.

 
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