Holi in the Tarai
Also known as: तराईको होली · होली · फागु · Fagu Purnima · Phagua
Holi welcomes spring and celebrates the victory of devotion over arrogance in the story of Prahlad and Holika. In the Tarai it is one of the year's biggest festivals, celebrated a day later than in the hills.
The night before
On the eve, bonfires (Holika Dahan) are lit at crossroads and temple squares.
The day
From morning, streets fill with friends and neighbours smearing each other with coloured powder and spraying water. Groups sing Fagua (Phagua) folk songs to drums and cymbals. By afternoon people wash, dress in new clothes and visit relatives with sweets.
For visitors
Wear old clothes, protect your phone and eyes, and join in with good humour. In Janakpur the celebrations around the Janaki Mandir are especially lively.
Photo gallery
Festival dates follow the lunar calendar. Dates shown are approximate — confirm with a Nepali calendar (patro) before you travel.