KATHMANDU, March 1: Holi, which is also known as the festival of colors, is being celebrated across the country on today.
Meanwhile, Nepal Republic Media, the publisher of Nagarik national daily, Republica national daily, Shukrabar weekly, Pariwar monthly and Radio Nagarik also marked the religious festival on the premises of the media house today.
The celebration started after managing director Binod Raj Gyawali and Director Shova Gyawali and executive director Sambridhi Gyawali of the company extended best wishes to their staff, which was later followed by smearing colors on each other’s faces and photo sessions.
Nepal Republic Media marks Holi festival (photo feature)
Considered the second biggest religious festival after Dipawali, it is celebrated by Hindus as per Hindu calendar.
A legend has it that fire-resistant Holika put herself along with her son Prahlad in fire for his religious devotion to god Bishnu. However, her son Prahlad remained unharmed while Holika got destroyed in the fire for inflicting injustices in her son. Since then the Hindus have been celebrating Holi as the triumph of justice over injustices.
In most regions, 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.
This festival is celebrated today (Thursday) in the hills and on Friday in the Tarai region. The government has also given public holiday on the day of Holi.
The Holi celebration is also taken as the one that creates environment for socialization, driving away the feud and enmity subsisting among the people.
It is also believed that the festival Holi promotes social harmony, integrity, goodwill, and mutual cooperation in the society.
Photos by Dipendra Rokka/Republica
