Festival of Colours being Celebrated Today in the Shadow of Middle East Tensions

Fagu Purnima, popularly known as the festival of Holi, is being celebrated in the capital and hill districts across Nepal today (Monday), in the shadow of the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5.

Panic has gripped the Nepali community after one of its citizens was confirmed dead in Iranian retaliatory strikes on a US base in the UAE, stoking fears that the conflict could escalate into a nuclear war. The incident has heightened fears among the Nepali community, particularly families of migrant workers in the Gulf region.

More than 1.7 million Nepalis are employed in the Middle East. With an average five-member household back home, the unfolding crisis potentially affects nearly 10 million people in Nepal, directly or indirectly, through remittances and family ties.

Despite these concerns, large crowds gathered at Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu as usual, with people — especially youths and children — celebrating by smearing colours and spraying water. Political parties, meanwhile, remain busy with election preparations, and security has been tightened in view of the House of Representatives polls just three days away.

Holi, known as the festival of colours, marks the arrival of spring. Revellers celebrate by applying coloured powder on one another and throwing water balloons in a spirit of joy and harmony.

The festival begins on the eighth day of the waxing moon in the month of Falgun (mid-February to mid-March) and concludes on the full moon day with the burning of the ‘Chir’ — a ceremonial pole adorned with colourful strips of cloth that is erected at Basantapur on the first day of festivities.

According to Hindu mythology, demon king Hiranyakashyapu, angered by his son Prahlad’s devotion to Lord Vishnu, ordered his sister Holika to kill him. Holika, who had received a boon from Lord Brahma that fire would not harm her, sat on a burning pyre with Prahlad on her lap. However, she was reduced to ashes while Prahlad survived unharmed due to Lord Vishnu’s protection. The episode symbolises the victory of good over evil and is commemorated through Holi celebrations.

The government has declared a public holiday in the hill and mountain districts today. In the Tarai region, Holi will be observed on Tuesday, with a separate public holiday announced for those districts.

Hoarding Seen Ahead of Festival

While celebrations continued, signs of economic anxiety were visible on Sunday, the eve of Holi. Long queues were seen at fuel stations in Kathmandu Valley as consumers rushed to stockpile fuel, fearing possible price hikes if the Middle East conflict disrupts global oil supplies.

Traders also reported increased purchases of essential commodities, reflecting concerns that a prolonged conflict could fuel inflation and supply shortages.