KATHMANDU, March 22: With the Holi festival being observed across the country, Nepal Republic Media (NRM) P. Ltd has also celebrated the Festival 2072 with much fanfare on the premises of JDA Complex on Tuesday.
Holi festival or Fagu Poornima, which is also known as the festival of colors, was observed smearing colors among the Nagarik and Republica dailies and Sukrabar Weeekly journalists and other staffs on the premises of the NRM head office Bag Durbar, Kathmandu.
As a continuation to the celebration of the annual festival, the NRM team started celebrating with the publication's Managing Director Binod Gyawali expressing greetings to all the staffers and sharing the color moments.
Among various cultural festivals celebrated in Nepal, Fagu Poornima carries its own specialty and significance. People from old to young age enjoy the festival with enthusiasm, believing that it would shun hostility and foster love among the people.
Fagu Poornima celebration begins with a Holika dahan or making a bonfire commemorating the death of Holika on the eve of Holi, the symbol of triumph of good over evil. The next day, people enjoy smearing one another with different colors including abir or red vermilion powder.
Fagu Poornima begins on the eighth day of the new moon and ends with burning of the 'Chir', which was installed earlier, on the full moon day later today.
It is observed today in the hills and in the Tarai tomorrow.
Let Holi be a Holy Occasion
According to a Hindu myth, demon king Hiranyakashyapu who was unhappy with his son Prahlad for his wholehearted devotion to the God Bishnu ordered his sister Holika to kill Prahalad. Following her brother's instruction Holika who had a boon from the god that fire would not harm her sat on a fire by taking Prahlad on her lap, but was burnt to death while Prahalad remained unhurt due to the blessing of God Bishnu.
The government has given a public holiday on the Holi festival.
