Reasons for the two days of Holi celebrations in Nepal are all based on cultural, religious & historical origins
Holi (known as Fagu Purnima) is a mixture of the changing of the seasons, mythology, regional culture & unity through social interaction that makes it a different & separate event across the different areas of Nepal because of its two varying days of celebration.
To understand the celebration of the festival of Holii for two days, it is necessary to understand the association between Holi & its religious origins, when they will occur through other astronomical means, traditions according to local & cultural variations, and the acceptance by the governing body to recognize the days of Holi in Nepal. Let's take a look at each one of these areas of Holi in more detail.
1. Holi's Religious Origins in Nepal
The myth of Prahlad and Holika is where the legend of Holi begins. The story of Prahlad describes how he was such a loyal follower of the Lord Vishnu, his father, the king of Hiranykashkyap, thought he should also be viewed as a god by his followers, forcing them to glorify him by worshiping him. However, since Prahlad would not obey or accept his father's commands, his father's idea of using fire to burn pretenders to his throne was an attempt to blast away any disloyal followers of his throne.
Holika was the sibling of the king and owned a fire-proofing jacket which gave her the ability to hurt others. She planned on killing her brother Prahlad by sitting in the fire with him, however, Lord Vishnu protected him thus meaning that Holika would die in the fire because he was saved.
This story symbolizes:
- Victory of faith over fear
- Triumph of good over evil
- Destruction of ego and injustice
The ceremonial observance of Holika Dahan (for the celebrating victory of good over evil) occurs on the full moon night (Fagure'sFullMoon) Night, or "Fagur Plot," of Holi. During this night four poles are erected (observed the festive festivity) to serve as a festive symbol of celebration and spiritual cleansing. The burning of the poles signifies the beginning of the Holi festival in higher elevations in Nepal.
In Nepal, Holi is celebrated according to both lunar and solar calendars (for example with respect to Holi being on the full moon).
Based on which calendar system a person uses to determine the proper observance of the Holi festival, there are fundamental differences between Nepal and all of the Terai regions.
1) If you live in the mountains, you will celebrate the efestival on the full moon of Holi.
2) If you live in terai, you will celebrate it the day after Holika Dahan (the bonfire celebration).
The reason for why there are different ways to celebrate is due to the meanings behind the celebrations and the locations of the celebrations. For example:
In the hills, the Festival of Colors starts on the same day as a full moon.
In the Terai, the night of the full moon is mostly for Holika Dahan, with the day after Holi reserved for Color Playing and Celebrating.
Therefore, this timing has remained unchanged for generations and has had a defined cultural context.
Holi in the Hills and Himalayan Regions (Day of Celebration)
Holi in the mountains is celebrated at Fagu Purnima, in the provinces of Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur.
Holi in the Hills
Morning: Family members will apply tika and colored powder to the faces of their elders and family members as a blessing ceremony.
Community Celebration – Youth gather in public square areas and/or streets to remember and celebrate together with music and dancing.
Controlled Celebration – Compared to some other areas, celebratory events in the hills are lively and exciting but limited in size compared to “massive street (gatherings) events”. Many have occurred within the community over a significant period of time.
Evening Significant Events: Upon sunset, public festive activities will start tapering off, and families often meet for evening meals.
The first day of this Festival will be a designated holiday for all hills as designated by the government of Nepal, thus reinforcing the holiday as being based on a calendar observation.
Holi in the Terai Region (Second Day)
Holi in the terai region is celebrated the day after the Fagu Purnima, and signifies good defeating evil (the major cities of celebrations happen), that they are: Biratnagar, Birgunj and Janakpur.
Holi in the Tarai Region reflects unique aspects of culture, custom and tradition, among which are the following:
1. There are processions of members of a community taking place on the streets.
2. Groups of people singing traditional Holi songs can be found throughout the Terai region.
3. Celebrations generally run later into the evening.
4. There is tremendous community involvement in the celebration of Holi.
The influence of cultural customs between the Terai Region, the flat plateau of Northern India, and far western Nepal is significant. In both the Terai region and India, the day of Holi is celebrated the day after the full moon, as recognised by the Nepali government's establishment of a public holiday for the second day of the Holi festival in the Terai districts.
Diversity of geographic regions is the primary determining factor.
There are three distinct geographic regions of Nepal — the high Himalayas; the mid-hills; and the Tarai (plains). Each of these three geographical regions has developed its own culture, customs and festival observances based on how that specific region adapts to and incorporates the geographic elements that influence their lives as a result of where they are located.
Holi’s two-day celebration is therefore an example of how Nepal respects:
- Regional identity
- Cultural autonomy
- Historical continuity
Instead of enforcing one single celebration date nationwide, Nepal accommodates regional traditions.
Social and Psychological Importance
The influence of Holi on Nepali society is monumental. Barriers within society are broken during Holi:
- Age hierarchies break down
- Different sections of society come together as one
- People of various backgrounds relax and mingle
- Renewal of emotion
Final Conclusion
Holi in Nepal is celebrated in two days because of:
- Religious timing of Fagu Purnima
- Historical regional practices
- Cultural influence in the Terai
- Astronomical interpretation of celebration timing
- Government recognition of diversity
It is not simply about colors. It is about identity, tradition, faith, and unity.
Whether celebrated on the full moon in the hills or the following day in the Terai, Holi carries one universal message across Nepal:
Good defeats evil, spring brings hope, and colors unite every heart.