The Fagu Festival develops into respectable festivities

Nepal celebrates Fagu, the festival of colours, on the last full moon day of Falgun. The festival begins with the Chir erected at Basantapur in Kathmandu, symbolizing the formal beginning of the festival. In cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar, Holi celebrations—which are customarily done in traditional folk dances—have proliferated and become increasingly commercialized, drawing sizable audiences to clubs and public locations. In the past, attacks using water-filled balloons targeted girls during Holi celebrations, causing schools to close and final exams to be held the day before the festival. Children used to throw water-filled plastic bags and balloons before Holi, symbolizing spring and end of winter.

Now, anomalies have decreased due to police arrests and tight security measures. Holika Dahan, a bonfire symbolizing victory over evil, is buried outside Kathmandu Valley, with police tightening security measures to prevent criminal activities. The Armed Police Force has been activated as part of special security measures to stop undesirable acts during the Holi celebration. To ensure calm celebrations on Thursday and Friday, Lumbini Province has issued special security alerts for Fagu.