Holi festival in Nepal 2024

Itinerary for celebrating Holi  Festival in Kathmandu:

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Day 3: Holi Celebrations

Day 4: Day hiking in Kathmandu:

Day 5: Back to Home from Kathmandu

Over View About Holi Festival in Nepal 2024

Jatra Travels offer Holi festival celebration packages tour 2024 that include accommodation, transportation, Guide and participation in local celebrations. For more details you can email as.

Jatratravels.nepal@gmail.com or Whatsapp/Viber on +977-9851092335

Festival of Color is a popular Hindu festival celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm in Nepal. It usually falls in late February or early March and is also known as the “Festival of Colors” or “Phagu Purnima”.

In Nepal, Holi is not only celebrated by the Hindu community, but it is also celebrated by other communities like Buddhists and Christians. The festival is a time for people to forget their differences and come together to celebrate the joy of life.

What is the holi festival?  Holi, also known as the “Festival of Colors,” is a popular festival celebrated in Nepal, as well as in other parts of South Asia. The festival usually takes place in late February or early March, and it is a celebration of the triumph of good over evil, the arrival of spring, and the end of winter.

During the festival, people gather to throw colored powder and water at each other, dance, sing, and feast on traditional sweets and snacks. Holi is a time for people to forget their differences and come together to celebrate life, love, and happiness.

In Nepal, Holi is also known as “Fagu Purnima,” and it is a national holiday. The festival is celebrated across the country, but the most popular festivities take place in the cities of Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Bhaktapur.

What is the history of holi festival? The history of Holi dates back to ancient Hindu mythology and has several legends associated with it. Here are some of the most popular stories:

Legend of Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu: According to Hindu mythology, there was a demon king named Hiranyakashipu who was blessed with immortality. He became arrogant and ordered everyone to worship him instead of gods. However, his own son, Prahlad, was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Hiranyakashipu tried to kill his son, but he was saved by Lord Vishnu’s grace. To celebrate Prahlad’s victory over evil, Holi is celebrated.

Legend of Radha and Krishna: The festival is also associated with the love story of Lord Krishna and Radha. It is believed that Lord Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was envious of Radha’s fair skin. To make her feel better, Krishna applied colors on Radha’s face, and the tradition of playing with colors during Holi began.

Legend of Kamadeva: Kamadeva was a Hindu god of love, and it is believed that he was burned to ashes by Lord Shiva’s anger. His wife, Rati, pleaded with Lord Shiva to bring her husband back to life. On the day of Holi, Lord Shiva resurrected Kamadeva, and it is believed that this is why Holi is celebrated as a festival of love.

Over time, Holi has become a secular festival that is celebrated by people of all religions and communities in India and Nepal. It is a time for people to come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the arrival of spring with joy and happiness.

When is holi in 2024? Holi festival in Nepal is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Nepali month of Phalguna, which usually falls in February or March according to the Gregorian calendar.

In 2024, the Holi festival will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 19th, in Nepal.

How celebrate holi festival in Nepal?  Celebrated by people of all ages and religions. Here are some of the ways in which Holi is celebrated in Nepal:

• Throwing colors: One of the most prominent traditions of Holi is the throwing of colored powder and water. People smear each other with colored powder and drench each other with water, creating a colorful and joyful atmosphere.
• Dancing and singing: People gather in open spaces to dance and sing traditional folk songs, accompanied by drums and other musical instruments. It is a time for people to let loose and have fun with their friends and family.
• Eating and drinking: Holi is a time for feasting on traditional sweets and snacks, such as gujiya, mathri, and papri chaat. People also drink bhang, a traditional drink made from cannabis leaves, which is said to have a euphoric effect.
• Bonfires: On the eve of Holi, people light bonfires to symbolize the burning of evil spirits. This tradition is known as Holika Dahan, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in many parts of Nepal.
• Cultural events: Many cities and towns organize cultural events and competitions during Holi, such as folk dance performances, music competitions, and rangoli-making competitions.

Holi festival is a time for people to come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the arrival of spring with joy, happiness, and color.

Details Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu:

Welcome to Kathmandu! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our Jatra Travels representative who will escort you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and freshen up after your journey. In the evening, head out to explore the city and its vibrant street markets. Kathmandu is a hub of cultural and historical landmarks, so you may want to visit some of the iconic attractions such as the Boudhanath Stupa or Swayambhunath Temple, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can also indulge in some traditional Nepalese cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu:

Today, you’ll embark on a full day of sightseeing around Kathmandu. Here are some places you may want to visit:

1. Pashupatinath Temple: This is one of the most revered Hindu temples in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s located on the banks of the Bagmati River, and it’s known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
2. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the historic heart of Kathmandu. You’ll find many ancient temples, palaces, and shrines here, as well as the Kumari Ghar, which houses the Living Goddess of Nepal.
3. Patan Durbar Square: This is another important cultural and historical site, located in the city of Patan. The square is home to many beautiful temples and palaces, including the famous Krishna Temple.
4. Swayambhunath Stupa: Also known as the Monkey Temple, this Buddhist temple is located on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the city. You’ll find many monkeys here, as well as beautiful prayer flags and stupas.

In the evening, you can take a walk around the bustling streets of Thamel and shop for some colorful Holi powders and water guns. Don’t forget to try some delicious Nepalese food at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel.

Day 3: Holi Celebrations: Happy Holi! Today is the main day of Holi celebrations in Kathmandu. Here are some things you can do to celebrate:

1. Visit a local temple: Many temples in Kathmandu, such as the Pashupatinath Temple, organize Holi celebrations. You can join the locals in throwing colorful powders, singing, and dancing to traditional Holi songs.
2. Attend a Holi party: Many hotels and restaurants in Kathmandu organize Holi parties where you can enjoy music, dance, and play with colors. These parties usually offer food and drinks as well.
3. Join a street celebration: Take a stroll around the city and join the locals in playing Holi on the streets. You can throw colors and water at each other and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
4. Celebrate with friends: If you’re traveling with friends or family, you can have a private celebration in your hotel or guesthouse. Make sure to get plenty of colorful powders and water guns to make the celebration more fun.

In the evening, you can relax and unwind at your hotel, or head out to a local restaurant for some delicious Nepalese cuisine.

Day 4: Day hiking in Shivapuri National Park Kathmandu: After the excitement of Holi celebrations, today you can enjoy a day of hiking around Kathmandu.  Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a protected area located just a few kilometers north of Kathmandu. The park is spread over an area of 159 square kilometers and is named after the Shivapuri Hill, which is the highest point in the park at an altitude of 2,732 meters.

The park is a popular destination for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The forest is home to many species of birds such as Himalayan monal, Kalij pheasant, and laughing thrush. You may also see langur monkeys, Himalayan black bears, and leopards in the forest.

One of the popular hiking trails in the park is the Shivapuri Hill Trek, which takes you to the top of Shivapuri Hill. The trek starts from the Budhanilkantha Temple, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and passes through dense forests and small villages. The trek takes around 5-6 hours, and the view from the top of the hill is breathtaking.

You can also visit the Nagarjun Palace, which is located inside the park. The palace was built in the 19th century and served as a summer residence for the Nepalese royal family. The palace is now a museum and showcases many artifacts and artwork related to Nepalese history and culture.

Overall, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in nature.

Day 5: Back to Home from Kathmandu: After your final activities, you can head to the airport for your flight back home, taking with you unforgettable memories of the Holi festival and your time in Kathmandu.

Note: There are a few things that we should avoid taking or doing during the Holi festival:

1. Valuables: It’s best not to take valuable items such as jewelry, watches, or expensive electronic devices with you during the Holi festival. The water and colors used during the festival can damage or stain your belongings, and there is also a risk of theft in crowded areas.
2. Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, it’s recommended that you avoid wearing them during the Holi festival. The colors and water can get into your eyes and cause irritation or infection. It’s better to wear glasses or avoid wearing any eye correction aids during the festival.
3. Perfume or Fragrances: Avoid using any strong perfumes or fragrances during the Holi festival. The colors and water used during the festival can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, and the fragrance may attract more colors and water towards you.
4. Water from unknown sources: It’s best to avoid using water from unknown sources during the Holi festival. The water used during the festival can be contaminated, and you may end up with water-borne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, or hepatitis A.
5. Drugs or Alcohol: It’s important to avoid taking drugs or alcohol during the Holi festival. The festival is a time for joy and celebration, and it’s important to be alert and aware of your surroundings. Drinking or taking drugs can impair your judgment and put you in danger.