MAHOTTARI, March 15: Residents in Mahottari have been celebrating Holi for three consecutive days. While the festival started on Phagu Purnima day, several areas in Madhesh are still marking the occasion today. Seven local levels in Mahottari are set to celebrate Holi with great enthusiasm.
Madhesh communities follow three distinct traditions of celebrating Holi. The Pahadi community observes the festival on Phagu Purnima day. Meanwhile, most people of Madhesh origin celebrate it on the day when Purnima ends and Chaitra Shukla Pratipada begins.
Kriti Sanon excited to celebrate Holi 'saparivar'
Some areas observe Holi according to the Maithil tradition. Residents of Matihani, Jaleshwar, Mahottari, Balwa, Loharpatti, Pipra, and Bhangaha celebrate the festival on the day following the Antargriha Parikrama of Janakpur. This event takes place on the 16th day of the 15-day Mithila Madhyam Parikrama. Since devotees completed the Antargriha Parikrama on Friday, these settlements are celebrating Holi today. This tradition follows the 133-kilometer route of the Madhyam Parikrama.
Despite differences in traditional beliefs about the timing of Holi, people actively participate in celebrations across all three days. Matihani Mayor Hari Prasad Mandal described the festival as a time of joy, entertainment, and social bonding.
