NAWALPARASI, March 14: People in the Terai and Madhesh districts are celebrating Holi today. As per the tradition, they observe the festival a day after those in the hilly and mountainous regions.
Residents of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West), Chitwan, Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Saptari, Siraha, Udayapur, Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Rautahat, Bara, Parsa, Rupandehi, Kapilvastu, Dang, Banke, Bardiya, Kailali, and Kanchanpur, among other districts, are taking part in the festivities today.
In Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), where the Magar and Tharu communities have a strong presence, people celebrate Holi with special significance. They consider the festival an opportunity to break down social barriers and unite in a vibrant and joyful atmosphere.
Holi being celebrated in Terai-Madhesh today
"Holi fosters equality and harmony by bringing everyone together in the same colors," said Pandit Buddhisagar Bhandari. He explained that the festival represents the victory of truth over falsehood, purity over deception, and righteousness over wrongdoing. "Beyond its religious importance, Holi plays a crucial role in strengthening social bonds and spreading joy," he added.
People originally celebrated Holi as the spring festival (Basantotsav). Over time, they connected it with the legends of Prahlad, Krishna, Holika, and Dhundha, giving it names like Fagu, Phaguwa, Holi, and Hori.
The festival brings communities together through music, dance, feasts, and playful splashes of color, accompanied by the beats of traditional instruments like the dhol, damphu, and mridang. It encourages people to let go of differences, build friendships, and embrace the spirit of brotherhood.
While the government declared Thursday a public holiday for Holi in the hilly districts, people in the Tarai are observing the holiday today. To ensure a safe and peaceful celebration, authorities in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) have implemented special security measures, said Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal.
"We will take action against anyone who throws colors without consent, hurls water balloons, creates unnecessary disturbances, engages in fights, or behaves inappropriately," Dhakal warned. He urged people to celebrate responsibly, play Holi only with close friends and family, avoid throwing colors against anyone's will, and refrain from using harmful chemical-based dyes.
Dhakal also advised against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and encouraged the public to report any criminal activities by calling the police hotline at 100.
