Foreigners soak in Holi Festivities at Kathmandu Durbar Square

Mar 02, 2026

Kathmandu (Nepal), March 02 (ANI): Hundreds of foreign tourists visiting Nepal drenched themselves in vibrant colors as they joined locals celebrating Holi at Kathmandu Durbar Square. The visitors participated enthusiastically at the Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, smearing colors on one another’s faces and exchanging cheerful greetings of “Happy Holi” within the historic palace complex. Kathmandu, also known as Basantapur Durbar Square, served as a common gathering place for residents during the festival of colors. The UNESCO-listed heritage site, once the royal palace, had witnessed major political upheavals and transformations in Nepal’s history and was often referred to as the “Holi Junction of Kathmandu.” Every year, people observing the festival visited the historic courtyard for celebration and recreation. The festival, also called the Spring festival, marks the arrival of spring and the harvest season. The first day of the festival is called Chhoti Holi or Holika Dahan and the second-day Dhuleti or Holi. Holika Dahan, the death of Holika, the symbol of the triumph of good over evil, is marked by lighting a bonfire, and performing a special Puja to burn evil spirits. The next day, people enjoy smearing one another with different colors including Abir or red vermilion powder.