Holi, the festival of colours, as known as Fagu Purnima (full
moon) in Nepal, marks the arrival of spring. Traditionally a
romantic celebration of spring within one's inner circles, the
festival has taken a turn in the now-overcrowded capital- becoming
a curious mix of raucous water-fights, hooliganism and traditional
beliefs.
Gangs of young men roam the streets with an array of coloured
powders and water-bombs to attack unsuspecting passers-by. In
Kathmandu's Durbar Square, as youths celebrate rowdily, a steady
stream of pilgrims pay homage at the "chir", a 25-feet tall bamboo
pole erected in the middle of the square to symbolize a tree where
Lord Krishna placed the clothes of the Gopini milkmaids bathing in
the Jamuna river.
Along with its seasonal significance, Holi is a festival abound
with legends. Most popular is of all is the tale of hero Prahlad's
victory over the the demoness Holika, from which the festival
acquired its name.
